Gail Watson commences role as Media Manager

Ebanny Dwyer has commenced at Australian luxury fashion brand, Christopher Esber, as Acting Marketing and Communications Director. Previously, she was a freelance Luxury Communications, Event and Brand Director, which included her time agency-side at Character + Distinction for clients such as Adore Beauty, Heaps Normal and Cargo Crew, as well as Camilla and Marc. Prior to this, Ebanny was at NAC Media group and Maticevski. 

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." 

The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) has announced that the eighth edition of its annual KSA Leadership Majlis is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, in Riyadh.

Centred around the theme "From Vision to Impact: How Strategic Communication is Shaping Saudi Arabia's Transformation," the event is set to bring together over 100 senior communications professionals, government leaders, and industry experts to explore the evolving role of the profession in the Kingdom.

The 2026 Majlis will examine how communication has transitioned from a tactical support function into a strategic leadership discipline essential for national transformation under Vision 2030. The programme will explore how communication shapes Saudi Arabia's global positioning and reputation while strengthening organisations through effective internal communication and resilience.

Furthermore, sessions will address the integration of emerging technologies like AI - emphasising the balance between innovation and maintaining trust - and the vital role of supporting youth development to empower the next generation of communications professionals.

Justin Kerr-Stevens, Chairman of MEPRA, stated: “Saudi Arabia continues to set the pace for innovation and transformation across the region, and communications professionals have a critical role to play in helping organizations build trust, navigate change, and create lasting impact. The KSA Leadership Majlis reflects MEPRA’s commitment to bringing together the brightest minds in our profession to exchange ideas, share practical insights, and collectively shape the future of strategic communication across the Middle East.”

Monther Tayeb, Vice Chairman of MEPRA and Chair of the KSA Leadership Majlis Committee, said: “Strategic communication has become one of the key enablers of Saudi Vision 2030. It is no longer simply about delivering messages but about shaping informed decisions, building trust, strengthening reputation, and creating lasting impact. The KSA Leadership Majlis brings together senior leaders and industry experts to exchange knowledge, showcase best practices, and empower the next generation of communications professionals, further advancing the profession across the Kingdom and the wider region.”