PRHK announces new board members for 2025 - 2026

Lachlan Johnston and Tom Callachor have come together to launch Sedgwick Advisers, a new Australian-based reputation management, strategic communications, and public affairs advisory firm.

Sedgwick Advisers offers a range of services spanning strategic communications and reputation management, crisis and issues management, litigation and investigation support, regulatory and government affairs, and executive positioning and stakeholder engagement.

The pair bring more than 55 years’ combined experience, having previously advised ASX-listed companies, private organisations, industry bodies, and high-profile individuals.

A journalist turned communications professional, Lachlan has more than 30 years’ experience, with roles in Australia and the UK. He has held senior positions at companies including Woolworths Group, Morrow Sodali, Qantas, and AMP.

Tom brings more than 25 years’ experience in public affairs, regulation, and communications, spanning sectors including gambling, entertainment, sport, and healthcare. He has also spent part of his career as an ASX executive and in government as Chief of Staff to several ministers. 

Mazarine, an independent global creative group founded by Paul-Emmanuel Reiffers, specialising in fashion, luxury, art and culture, has announced the acquisition of  international PR and digital agency, Bacchus.

Bacchus provides Mazarine Group with expertise in corporate and consumer communications as well as reputation and crisis management.

By joining hands, Bacchus and Mazarine can now mobilise VICs (Very Important Clients) for the events created by the Group and its subsidiaries: Mazarine Experience, La Mode en Images and Arter, drawing on its UHNW (Ultra High Net Worth) network. Beyond creating VIC events, Mazarine will now offer the ability to identify and attract the ideal prospects to attend through a strategic communications plan.

Paul-Emmanuel, Founder and CEO, Mazarine Group, commented, "Bacchus is the ideal Public Relations and VIC partner; our complementary areas of expertise and our expanded international reach allow us to go even further for the luxury clients we share. We will be the first to offer creative and communications services combined with VIC engagement. Our understanding of the global market and our strengthened presence enable us to adapt effectively to evolving target markets and behaviours. Our shared ambition was clear from our very first meeting, and I am delighted to welcome all the teams into our group."

Anouschka Menzies, Co-founder of Bacchus, adds, "In an ever-changing luxury communications landscape, the ability to influence audiences directly while building compelling brand narratives is critical to delivering meaningful commercial impact. Since inception, this has been precisely where Bacchus excels. Joining Mazarine gives us an advantage that other agencies cannot replicate. Strategic introductions and access to influential audiences have always been an essential part of our advisory offering. Our UHNW network is as valuable as our trusted relationships with senior editorial leadership internationally."

Established in 1998, Bacchus was co-founded in London by Anouschka Menzies and Charlotte Lurot, who lead the agency today alongside co-CEO Daize Washbourn. The agency has advised global brands, destinations and entrepreneurs, including Diageo Luxury Group, Four Seasons, Red Sea Global Residential, Six Senses, Technogym, RH, Auberge Resorts Collection, Victoria & Albert Museum, Zuma Group, Discovery Land Company, Global Design Forum, London Design Festival, London Fashion Week and Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.

Tonic Communications has been appointed by Housing Foundation NZ as its strategic PR and communications partner.

The agency’s remit will span strategic communications, media relations, content, and integrated campaign activity.

As part of the appointment, Tonic will work with Housing Foundation’s marketing team to grow brand awareness, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and increase understanding of its alternative home ownership model.

Tonic Communications Managing Director, Georgia Coleman, said: “Housing Foundation is an organisation with a strong purpose, but also a significant opportunity to further build awareness and understanding of its model.

“Our role is to help sharpen the organisation’s profile, connect with the right audiences and ensure its story is told clearly and consistently across multiple channels.

“There is a growing need for communications that build trust, simplify complexity and create meaningful engagement as conversations around housing accessibility continue across New Zealand.”