Experienced political adviser and communications consultant, Elliot Stein, has been welcomed to York Park Group as Partner. While based in NSW, the role will also see him support the agency's presence in Canberra.

Elliot brings diverse experience to York Park Group, having previously advised senior Ministers across a range of portfolios in Federal and State Governments, and has served as Director of Government, Regulatory and External Affairs at UNICEF Australia.

Most recently, Elliot spent two years as National Director Corporate Affairs and Communications at St Vincent's Health Australia, where he managed stakeholder, government, and communications response to a cyber-attack in 2023.

York Park Group's Managing Director, Sean Sammon, said Elliot's appointment comes at an exciting time for the firm.

"Elliot is a highly respected and experienced corporate affairs professional, and we're excited to have him join the team," he said.

"With his diverse Australian and international experience, he will provide further value to York Park Group's clients, and enhance our offering, particularly in advocacy and issues management, as well as international engagement, risk and analysis."

Stephanie Richardson has been promoted to Director - Investor Relations at Sodali & Co. Based in Perth, she has been with the team for three and a half years, most recently as Manager - Investor Relations and Corporate Communications.

Brand experience and communications agency DARKHORSE has expanded its Australian footprint with the opening of a new Sydney office, alongside new hires and client wins.

Located at 55 Clarence Street in Sydney’s CBD, the agency shares its new space with strategic experience marketing agency, George P. Johnson, both part of the creative alliance Project Worldwide.

Frankie Gair has rejoined DARKHORSE in Sydney as Business Director, bringing over a decade of experience in experiential and brand campaigns. She previously held roles at New Moon Australia and The World Of, leading projects for AFC Australian Fashion Week, Hermès, and ASICS.

Joining her is Senior Producer Isabella Ireland from Studio Messa, who has delivered campaigns for Dior Beauty, American Express, Snapchat, and Vogue.

Recent wins for the Sydney office include Bentley, Sephora, ZEEKR, and Chemist Warehouse, joining a client portfolio that also features Jaguar Land Rover and Pernod Ricard.

DARKHORSE Project CEO Asia Pacific, Ben Taylor, said: "We've been proud to support DARKHORSE as they've evolved from a Kiwi indie to a global player with offices across New Zealand, Australia and Singapore.

"It's a combination of client-centricity, smart creativity and white glove polish that makes DARKHORSE truly exceptional and we're thrilled about this next chapter of their growth."

DARKHORSE founder and CEO, Mike Hewitt, added: "We started the year with ambitious growth goals for Australia, and it’s been inspiring to see our team accomplish them.

"There's a real sense that we’re just getting started, and we’re excited for all that’s to come."