Ayushi Kisani has taken on a new role at AKA Communications in the UAE, as Junior Account Manager. Ayushi joins the team, managing clients across the GCC region, including Metafoodies Group (Alba, Himitsu, Bisou, Alba Street), Maya Collection (MayaBay Dubai), Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, and Junk Smash Burger.

Ayushi specialises in crafting content and securing strategic media placements for food & beverage sectors, as well as upscale travel & wellness brands. She has led PR campaigns for past clients such as Bungalo34, Cathay Pacific, COYA Dubai, Galaxy Bar, Jamavar Dubai, Joe & the Juice, Roberto’s and Salmon Guru. Other highlights include Sushi Art x Chef Gregoire Berger’s Omakase menu, the Bungalo34 x Ferragamo collaboration, and COYA Dubai’s 10-year anniversary celebration in partnership with Ounass.

“We are delighted to welcome Ayushi Kisani to our growing Dubai-based public relations team," commented Antony Rettie, Founder, AKA Communications. 

"With her strong track record in strategic media relations and innovative content creation, we are confident that she will be instrumental in enhancing our client communications and furthering our mission to tell compelling stories that resonate with our audiences. We are excited to see the fresh perspectives and expertise she will bring to the team and look forward to achieving new successes together.”

Ayushi moved from Umami Comms, and before that, she worked at Action Global Communications.

Virgin Australia has appointed Matthew Ongarello as Group Head of PR and Brand, marking his return to the airline after serving as Head of News at Virgin Group in London.

Matthew brings with him experience working across Virgin Group’s global company portfolio, following several years in senior positions in Virgin Australia's corporate affairs and PR teams.
 
"It’s a privilege to come home to Virgin Australia," Matthew commented. "The Virgin brand has always been synonymous with creativity, innovation and heart. I look forward to leading our incredible PR, Brand and Creative Services teams as we continue to tell the Virgin Australia story in a way that inspires our people, partners and guests.
 
"Aviation has a way of capturing you and never letting go. My first role at Virgin Australia was behind the check-in counter at Melbourne Airport while I was studying at RMIT, and I’m honoured to now come full circle as Group Head of PR and Brand."
 
As part of his responsibilities, Matthew oversees the Virgin Australia and Velocity Frequent Flyer public relations, brand strategy, and creative direction. He is further tasked with shaping the airline and loyalty program’s external reputation and strengthening its brand positioning.

"We're thrilled to welcome Matthew back to the Virgin Australia family," said Libby Minogue, Virgin Australia Chief Marketing Officer. "Matthew’s deep understanding of the Virgin brand, combined with his international experience across the Virgin Group portfolio, makes him the perfect person to lead our PR and Brand team during this exciting period of growth.

"Matthew's passion for aviation and storytelling, along with his proven track record of building meaningful connections between brands and people, will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen Virgin Australia's position as Australia's most loved airline."

Hong Kong-based consultancy, Snowball, has welcomed Cecilia Chan as Senior Consultant. In her new role, she is tasked with crafting branding strategies for Snowball's consulting services that drive business growth, enhance visibility, and strengthen market positioning for both startups and established brands.

Cecilia brings with her more than two decades of experience in leading regional comms, external relations, branding, marketing, and business growth for businesses across Asia Pacific. She most recently completed her dual roles at Colliers as Head of Marketing & Communications, Hong Kong and Senior Director of Marketing, Valuation and Advisory Services, Asia.

Cecilia's portfolio further includes posts at Lenovo, PCCW, Carousell and theDesk.