Madison Woodfall returns to Aus and joins beauty sector

The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) has welcomed Simon Downes as Consumer Communications Lead. He was previously External Affairs Lead at CPA Australia.

Simon's communications experience spans the finance, energy and government sectors, following a career in journalism. 

Former Global Chairman of DDB Worldwide, Marty O’Halloran, has joined Thrive PR and Communications AU/NZ in a strategic advisory role.
He brings nearly four decades of global marketing and comms experience, having started as an Account Manager in Melbourne to DDB Worldwide Global CEO and later, Global Chairman. 

In his role of Advisor across Australia and New Zealand, Marty will guide the agency's leadership team supporting strategic growth, leveraging business connections and mentoring the next generation of communications leaders.

Thrive CEO and Founder, Leilani Abels said Marty's experience building agencies and thriving agency cultures will help shape the next chapter of Thrive’s journey.

“Marty has led one of the most awarded creative networks in the world and there are few leaders globally who are held in such high esteem. He understands exactly how agencies grow and he’ll help Thrive to innovate, elevate creativity and continue to focus relentlessly on adding value to clients,” Leilani said. 

“Marty shares our belief that creativity and connections drive business growth, and that great agencies are built by creating environments where our people thrive. His perspective, mentorship and leadership will help us accelerate Thrive’s ambitions - to be the number one agency that communications professionals come to grow and build extraordinary careers, and where the most ambitious clients in the world choose to partner.”

Marty added: “Thrive has built something special - a modern communications agency with strong values, ambitious leadership and a clear belief in the power of creativity and earned influence.

“I’ve always believed the best agencies combine strategic thinking, creative courage and a culture where talented people can do the best work of their careers. Thrive embodies that.”

(Pictured L - R: Marty O'Halloran and Leilani Abels)

Epic Games has named Danielle Chong as Director, Communications in APAC. Based in Seoul, she leads communications for Fortnite, games, and Unreal Engine across the region.
 
Danielle brings over two decades of experience to her latest role, having served senior roles at corporations including L'Oreal, Louis Vuitton, Pfizer and Medidata Solutions. Before joining the interactive entertainment company and provider of 3D engine technology in 2025, she was Head of Instagram Communications at Meta Korea, whom she was with for close to six years.in 2025, she was Head of Instagram Communications at Meta Korea, whom she was with for close to six years.