Mastercard names global communications partner

The Advisory Ward has appointed healthcare, corporate affairs and government policy specialist, Mike Tegg, as Senior Client Partner, strengthening the agency’s senior health communications advisory capability as their business expands across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Mike brings experience spanning healthcare communications, corporate and government affairs, public policy, reputation, issues management and stakeholder engagement.

He has held senior in-house roles with Johnson & Johnson and Novartis and brings agency and regional experience through WPP agencies GCI Health and Hawker Britton.

Mike joins Senior Client Partner Samantha Razzell, Senior Account Manager Tayo Morris and Strategy Director Alex Abao, establishing the core senior team.

New Zealand PR agencies, Common Ground and Dig have joined forces to become Ground Control PR, a new consumer and tech PR firm that works across the Tasman.

The agency has already won clients such as Les Mills, Griffin’s and DB Breweries’ restaurant group Star Group, as well as a range of clients from Australia such as 3P Learning, Marine Stewardship Council and alcoholic ready-to-drinks for Coca-Cola Oceania.

Co-founders Olivia Boswell and Leni Ma’ia’i also bring a stable of brands together from Common Ground and Dig PR respectively, including Boring Oat Milk, OPPO, Icehouse Ventures, Openstar, Outward Bound, Motion Sickness and Jamie Kay.

Leni says the company’s ethos is that a story told well can change an entire business.

“We’re bloody good at building products and companies on this side of the world, but not as good at telling the story of that success. Ours is the really fun part of the job, to come in and highlight the incredible work that’s already going on and increase that impact,” he said.

“In both of our respective agencies, what our clients appreciated was our deep curiosities and pursuit of truth, and the understanding of what would resonate with audiences. These skills are hallmarks of good journalism, and they can be especially powerful when used through PR.”

(Pictured L - R: Leni Ma’ia’i and Olivia Boswell)

Michelle Bartolo has been welcomed at global champagne and spirits group, Pernod Ricard, as Corporate Communications Manager. She was at Ferrero for three and a half years as Senior Corporate Communications Manager. Prior to this, Michelle worked in-house in the tourism and retail sectors.