Gerard Cockburn steps into tech sector as External Comms Manager

Independent creative communications agency, Thrive PR & Communications, has landed the product launch and experiential account for EV giant BYD, following a competitive tender across Australia and New Zealand.

The agency group will handle the pipeline of car launches for BYD and DENZA over the next twelve months, handling activations, media relations, corporate, community and government relations, creative content and fleet management.

This marks the third consecutive tender win under the unified Thrive holding umbrella. Thrive will partner closely with its corporate communications sister agency Acuity, which launched earlier this year with BYD as a foundational partner.

Snezna Kerekovic, Managing Director, Thrive Australia, said: "BYD has already proven it can disrupt the mass market; our focus now is on building deep cultural equity for both BYD and DENZA brands. We're not just managing a standard PR pipeline, we are creating high-stakes, cultural experiences that let the product's technology speak for itself.

"We have brought together a team of expert automotive, technology and premium brand specialists who know how to turn innovative technology into unforgettable brand experiences that drive the kind of Excess Earned Attention that genuinely moves the needle and delivers business impact." 

Jasmine Green has joined Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation as Communications Lead, where she will focus on aligning internal priorities and strengthening external stakeholder relationships. She brings experience from previous roles with South32 and Southern Ports.

Jasmine's communications career spans both corporate and agency environments, including positions with Rio Tinto, Clarity Communications and Professional Public Relations. 

FTI Consulting has announced the appointment of Tom Evrard as Head of Asia for its strategic communications segment, with immediate effect.

In the new role, Tom will work closely with regional and global leadership teams to expand the agency's strategic communications offering across Asia, supporting clients on transactions, crises, and other high-stakes situations. He will also help drive FTI's event-driven capabilities and strengthen collaboration across the wider business, including corporate finance, technology, forensic and litigation consulting, and economic consulting.

"Tom has played an important role in building our Strategic Communications platform across Asia over many years, and he is exceptionally well placed to lead the business through its next phase of growth," said Mark McCall, Global Leader of the strategic communications segment at FTI Consulting.

"As clients face increasingly complex situations across transactions, crises and geopolitical issues, demand for integrated, bespoke solutions continues to grow. Tom’s appointment further strengthens our ability to support clients through these critical moments as they navigate the realities of working across borders, cultures and stakeholder expectations."

FTI Consulting said the appointment comes as Asia remains a key growth market for its strategic communications segment, with rising demand for multi-market counsel. It also forms part of the firm's continued investment in the region, following the appointment of Jason Leow as a Senior Managing Director, the return of Kainoa Blaisdell as a Managing Director, and the promotion of Natalie Carter to Senior Managing Director, as previously reported on Telum.

Commenting on his appointment, Tom said: "This is a pivotal moment for our business in Asia, and I am proud to step into this role with a team that has built a differentiated platform in one of the world’s most complex regions. We combine deep local expertise with global connectivity, supported by an agile model and smart use of AI, to deliver results when it matters most.

"I look forward to helping enhance our collaborative model, providing high-impact advice on crisis and transformation while deepening relationships, expanding our capabilities and bringing the full strength of FTI Consulting to every engagement."