Libby Mudie moves into broadcast television as Head of Communications

Brisbane-based integrated marketing communications consultancy, BBS Communications Group, has expanded its management team as it aims for further growth ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Team leaders Victoria Cox, Sara Benallack, and new hire Haylie Marchant, have joined the firm’s management team alongside Founder and Executive Chairman Lady Jane Edwards AM, Managing Director Lisa Nixon, and General Manager Louise Cruice.

Haylie has started as Head of Strategy and Innovation. She brings more than 20 years of global agency experience and will drive BBS’ AI adoption strategy and ideate strategic campaigns for clients.

Victoria has been promoted to Manager, Clients & Markets. She first joined BBS as a graduate before rejoining as a team leader in 2023. In her new role, she will support the firm’s growth and expansion, while managing key client projects and campaigns.

Sara has also been promoted, taking up the role of Manager, Brand & Marketing after 15 years at the firm. She will lead BBS’ marketing and industry engagement initiatives, while continuing to support clients.

BBS Founder and Executive Chairman, Lady Jane Edwards AM, said the appointments aligned with the firm’s growth trajectory in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The economy in which we operate is growing and changing rapidly, particularly in South East Queensland, and we see these appointments as strengthening our ability to prosper in this environment while continuing to evolve and lead across key areas of professional practice.

“The communications landscape is also evolving. While AI is creating new opportunities for organisations, it has also reinforced the importance of earned authority, reputation and trust, placing greater emphasis on strategic communications as a critical business priority.

“There is no doubt the Games will be a catalyst for economic growth over the next decade. We saw this with World Expo 88 when Brisbane was last front and centre on the world stage, and while the event itself will be significant, it’s the surrounding activity which will be the greatest legacy for the business community.”

^{(Pictured from left: Lisa Nixon, Haylie Marchant, Victoria Cox, Louise Cruice, Lady Jane Edwards AM, and Sara Benallack)}

Communication and Public Relations Australia (CPRA) has announced Alastair Campbell as the keynote speaker for the CPRA Conference 2026.

Taking place on Wednesday, 18 November at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Alastair will deliver the conference keynote titled "The Communicator Now”, exploring communications leadership amid shifting trust, accelerating technology, and increasingly complex public discourse.

Alastair previously served as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair's adviser and chief spokesman for a decade. Since leaving frontline politics, he has written more than 20 books spanning political diaries, fiction, and analysis of leadership and performance, and is co-host of The Rest Is Politics.

Alastair will join delegates live in the room, with dedicated time for audience questions.

Louise Harland-Cox, CEO of CPRA, said the announcement reflected the ambition of this year's conference programme.

"Alastair Campbell is one of the most recognised communicators of his generation. He's been in the room when the stakes were highest, and he's spent years reflecting on what that experience teaches us. We're delighted to welcome him to Melbourne and to give our delegates the chance to hear from him directly."

Mark Kennedy has commenced as Media and Community Engagement Manager at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He has returned to Australia after a two-year stint freelancing in Europe. Mark also holds journalism experience at Channel 10, the ABC and Sky News.