Patrick Avenell has commenced a role at CHU Underwriting Agencies as Corporate Communications Manager. He has wrapped up his time as Senior PR and Communications Manager at LJ Hooker. Prior to this, he worked in-house in the mining and energy sectors. 

Omar Qirem is to depart his post as CEO of Edelman Middle East to join a non-agency role early next year. He has been in this role since 2018, leading the firm's business in the Middle East region.

AJ Hesselink, Edelman President & CEO, EMEA, said, “After a very successful tenure as CEO of Edelman Middle East, Omar Qirem has made the decision to leave the firm to pursue an opportunity beyond the agency sector. We thank Omar for his leadership, commitment, and the significant contribution he has made in growing our business and strengthening our reputation in the region. He has built a fantastic bench of leaders who will continue to drive the business forward as we finalise plans for his successor. We wish him every success in his next chapter.” 
 
Omar said, “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past seven years. From day one, we deepened our capabilities across key sectors and consistently focused on client quality and our reputation. We have gone from strength to strength, and today I am leaving a profitable and growing business delivering standout work for clients with the best talent in the industry. I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead such a brilliant team, and I wish them continued success. I’m looking forward to the next chapter as I step into my new role in the new year.” 

Paul Richards has been welcomed at Science & Technology, Australia's peak body for the sector, as Director of Media and Communications. Most recently he worked as the Senior Manager, Public Affairs at the Australian National University. Last year, he wrapped up seven years at The Australian Academy of Science as Director, Communications and Outreach.

Paul previously pursued a career in journalism for more than two decades, which includes nearly 16 years at Seven.