iD Collective expands retail portfolio

Brisbane-based integrated marketing and communication agency, Elevate Communication, has been appointed retained external communication agency of record for global bus, motorcoach, and marine transport services operator, Kelsian Group.

The retainer covers Kelsian's Australian business, including Transit Systems, with a national remit spanning earned media, C-suite profiling, and issues and crisis communications support.

The account will be led by Elevate’s senior media and corporate communication team, headed by General Manager, Amanda Gormley.

Elevate Communication Managing Director, Mel Deacon, said the appointment reflected rising demand for agency partners that can combine proactive media relations with structured issues and crisis capability.

“Elevate has been supporting fast-growing businesses with compelling growth stories for over 18 years, shaping strategic, future-focused communications programs that support that momentum,” she said.

“We’re looking forward to working with the team to build reputation, elevate leadership visibility and strengthen communications capability as the business continues to expand.”

Kelsian Group National Marketing & Communications Manager, Lea Finau, added: "As Kelsian continues to grow, we wanted a communications partner with the depth, experience and agility to support our business.

“Elevate's strong credentials across listed companies, reputation management and crisis communications, combined with their broader specialist team, made them the right fit for our next phase."

Lazada has appointed TEAM LEWIS as its public relations agency of record in Malaysia, following a competitive pitch.

Under the remit, the agency will lead Lazada Malaysia’s communications strategy across an integrated scope, spanning storytelling, media relations, press office and campaign management, and thought leadership development.

“As the e-commerce landscape becomes more dynamic, brands need to show up with clarity, consistency and relevance across multiple touchpoints,” said Ann Chong, Managing Director, AI & Client Solutions, APAC.

“We are excited to partner with Lazada Malaysia, which is strong in both innovation and market presence. We see an opportunity to further strengthen its narrative through integrated, always-on communications that connect with audiences in a more meaningful way.” 

Zeno Group has announced several senior appointments, including Matt Lackie (pictured centre), who joins in the newly created role of President, International Strategy + Global Technology.

Formerly Global CEO of Axicom and Chair of Burson's Global Technology Practice, Matt will help shape and advance the agency's international strategy and global technology business.

Reporting to Global CEO, Barby K. Siegel, he will partner with leaders across Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, and Europe to strengthen cross-border growth and collaboration as well as identify new opportunities across Zeno's global network.

He will also partner with Karyn Barr, Head of Technology Communications for Zeno US, in addition to other technology leaders to strengthen and connect the agency's capabilities across AI, enterprise and consumer technology, and other areas of client demand. 

Matt has spent more than two decades helping organisations manage transformations, build reputation and growth at the intersection of technology, business, and culture. 

Lisa Sullivan (pictured right) joins Zeno Group as Managing Director, Zeno West, where she will lead the firm’s West Coast business in the US, partnering with clients across communications, marketing, and innovation.

Jake Green (pictured left) joins as Executive Vice President, Strategy. He will work across strategy, reputation, audience intelligence, and business growth.

Barby said: “AI, technology and business transformation are reshaping every organisation, regardless of industry. These appointments reflect our commitment to continually evolve, not by changing who we are, but by strengthening how we help clients succeed. Communications and reputation are business imperatives that shape growth and competitive advantage. Our clients need counsel that connects business strategy, marketing and communications in ways that create measurable value.

“Matt, Lisa and Jake bring a strong track record of helping organisations turn communications and reputation into drivers of business success, which aligns well with Zeno's focus on helping clients navigate both what's now and what's next. Above all, they embody what has always made Zeno, Zeno: ambition, curiosity, kindness, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to creating meaningful client impact.”