Patrick Avenell joins the logistics and transportation sector

Ruder Finn Asia has appointed Chung Kai (CK) Lim to Vice President, Chief AI Officer, AI Product & Strategy, Asia and Greater China. CK joins Ruder Finn Asia from Dell Technologies, where he served as Asia Pacific and Japan Lead, Digital Demand Generation, overseeing AI and machine learning-powered demand generation.

Over the past decade, he has held senior regional marketing roles at Dell Technologies, Cognizant and Edelman, leading digital transformation, demand generation and marketing innovation across Asia Pacific, Japan, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. His experience spans GenAI deployment, marketing technology transformation, full-funnel digital campaigns and sales enablement across more than ten markets.

In his new role, CK is tasked with leading the acceleration of digital transformation and the adoption of emerging technologies across Ruder Finn's 30 Asia-Pacific offices and team of more than 800 consultants. He will focus on advancing internal AI enablement, driving functional transformation across the business, and shaping the consultancy's client-facing AI product roadmap.

"Communications consultancies are uniquely placed to lead in the answer engine era because we already create the press releases, earned media, executive bylines and third-party content that AI models trust and cite," said Chung Kai (CK) Lim. "My focus is twofold. Internally, we are making AI the default operating layer across every workflow. Externally, we are giving clients the visibility, control and citation share they need to protect and grow their brands."

Furthermore, the team has also launched its AI Visibility & Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) Advisory developed under CK’s leadership. The advisory, powered by a combination of industry AI platforms and the consultancy’s proprietary GEO methodology, aims to help brands improve how they are understood, represented, and cited across generative AI platforms, including ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Google AI Overviews.

"Communications has entered a new era where influence is measured not only by what people read, but by what AI understands, cites and recommends," said Elan Shou, Global Chief Growth Officer and Managing Director, Asia and Greater China at Ruder Finn. "AI visibility is not a standalone discipline, it’s an evolution of strategic communications. The same trusted content that shapes reputation through media, thought leadership and executive visibility now shapes how AI platforms understand and recommend brands. By combining our communications expertise with AI-powered insights and optimization, we offer clients an end-to-end approach that strengthens AI visibility, protects reputation and drives business outcomes."

Communication and Public Relations Australia (CPRA) has announced the official shortlist for the 2026 Golden Target Awards, which marks their 50^th year. The shortlist spans boutique independent agencies, in-house teams, emerging talent, and senior leaders.

Ogilvy leads with eight shortlisted entries, followed by In The Media PR with seven, while We Are Different and BBS Communications Group each secured six. The Agency of the Year - Small / Boutique category is contested by 10 agencies.

In the Individual Awards, Ella Pavichievac is the sole Student of the Year finalist, while six professionals are shortlisted for Leader of the Year - Agency. Five leaders are shortlisted in the Leader of the Year - NFP category, representing Brisbane Catholic Education, Advocacy Australia, SSI, Aruma Disability Services, and Orange Sky Australia.

"Fifty years of the Golden Target Awards is a remarkable milestone and this year's shortlist is a worthy way to mark it," said CPRA CEO Louise Harland-Cox.

"The calibre and range of entries reflect a profession that continues to raise the bar, and we look forward to celebrating these outstanding communicators at the National Awards Night in September."

Winners will be announced at the National Awards Night on Thursday, 17 September at the Sheraton Grand Sydney, Hyde Park.

The full shortlist can be viewed here, with tickets to the awards night available here. 

Branding, marketing, and communications agency, bSIDE, has announced the appointment of Jasmine Choo as Partner and Head of Experiential, with immediate effect.

With more than 18 years of in-house and agency experience across communications, events, and experiential marketing for luxury and lifestyle brands, Jasmin will spearhead the growth of bSIDE’s experiential offering as part of the agency’s leadership team.

Jasmine was previously at Access Communications, where she helmed the Culture & Lifestyle portfolio while concurrently serving as Head of Events & Experiences. During her tenure, she worked on campaigns for clients including Chivas Regal, Leica, Onitsuka Tiger, Royal Salute, and Samsonite. Her earlier career includes luxury event management at Directions Group.

“I'm incredibly excited to be joining bSIDE at this stage of the agency’s growth,” said Jasmine.

“In my conversations with Charissa and the team, it was refreshing to have my perspectives challenged. They constantly have a unique point of view and a collective ability to approach briefs pointedly yet creatively. This is a massive strength in a saturated market, and is aligned with my own instincts. I'm looking forward to bringing that same relentlessness to how we design experiences that surprise and delight.”

Founder & Managing Partner of bSIDE, Charissa Guan, added: “Jasmine has spent almost two decades creating and building memorable events and experiences for some of the most demanding brands in the region. But more than that, her tenacity and grace under pressure is what our agency wants of everyone on the team - especially our leaders. Having her as Partner will allow us to go deeper into work that not simply creates fame for brands, but allows them to build community.”