Ebanny Dwyer joins Australian designer brand as Acting MarComms Director

The Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) has welcomed Leigh Harris FPRINZ and Jill Dryden FPRINZ as co-opted members of the PRINZ Committee, with Jill being elected to the Chair of the PRINZ College of Fellows.

The pair bring a combined 70 years of experience across public relations consultancy, stakeholder engagement, crisis management, and strategic communications. They join elected PRINZ Committee members Celia Crosbie, Travis Logan, Cherish Wilkinson, Leigh Catley, and Perzen Patel.

Leigh is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Convergence Communications, which she has led for more than two decades. A Fellow of PRINZ, she brings experience across reputation, business strategy, and complex issues, having advised organisations across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors in New Zealand.

Jill has almost 40 years’ experience in public relations and has held senior practitioner, managing director, and shareholder roles at agencies, including Porter Novelli, Star Public Relations, and Network Communications. She has also worked with various organisations in New Zealand, advising and assisting them with corporate relations, issues management, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement.

PRINZ Committee Chair, Celia Crosbie, said: "I’m delighted to welcome both Jill and Leigh to the PRINZ Committee. They bring a wealth of experience, sound judgement and a deep commitment to the profession. Their perspectives will strengthen our governance and help ensure PRINZ continues to serve and support communications professionals across Aotearoa.

“I also congratulate Jill on her election as Chair of the College of Fellows. Her leadership, knowledge and longstanding contribution to public relations make her exceptionally well placed to lead and champion our Fellows community." 

Rosie Scanlan has joined the team at Howatson+Company as PR Account Director. She was previously Publicist at Ogilvy PR ANZ. 

Strategic consultancy BLJ Worldwide has promoted several of its senior members to strengthen its team across its PR, content and creative functions in Doha.

Hadi El Fares and Sana Uqba have both been promoted to Senior Account Director, while Elsayed Gewely was promoted to Senior Account Director, Content.

The team also elevated Anzish Mirza, Rochelle Fernandes and Tala Sweiss to Account Director. On the creative side, Joe Maalouly has been appointed as Creative Lead.

“These promotions reflect the continued growth of BLJ's team and our commitment to developing and recognising talent from within. Each of these individuals has made a valuable contribution to BLJ and our clients, and their progression is a reflection of the expertise, dedication and ambition they bring to the business,” says Iman Asante, Managing Director at BLJ Worldwide.