Sound Story expands comms team across the East Coast

Strategic communications and reputation consultancy, Sound Story, has bolstered its communications capabilities across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane with several hires.

Kate McCabe has joined as Strategic Communications Lead in Melbourne. She will work across reputation and risk for Sound Story's clients, with a focus on government and policy positioning, issues and crisis management, and industry advocacy.

Kate made the move from the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet, where she served as Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications, advising on various issues and whole-of-government strategy. She also brings experience in arts and entertainment, with previous stints at Museums Victoria, the ABC and Remote Control Records.

Kate said: "I've had my eye on Sound Story for some time - what they're doing feels different. They are providing our local creative sector with proven corporate-inspired strategic comms expertise, and that’s exciting. I'm looking forward to working with Sound Story and sharing my learnings from the issues-rich wheelhouse of government."

In Brisbane, the agency has strengthened its team with the appointment of Nick Price as Corporate Communications Specialist. He brings a decade of experience, having worked at SGC Media, The Red Republic, IVY PR and Bespoken Agency. Nick will work closely with Zanda Wilson, who joined the business at launch in 2023, and has recently been promoted to Head of Corporate Communications, as reported on Telum.

The addition of Kate and Nick to the Sound Story team follows the appointments of Geoff Cope-Watts as Senior Communications Specialist in Melbourne, and Brooke Boland as Consumer Communications Specialist in Sydney. Both Geoff and Brooke will work closely with Communications Director, Jane Elliott.

Geoff brings specialist knowledge and experience to Sound Story, having worked in commercial radio for over 20 years at NOVA Entertainment, ARN, SCA, and Nine, as well as more recent stints at SBS, before transitioning into communications at Thrive PR + Communications. Meanwhile, Brooke brings expertise in PR, social media, and influencer marketing, having spent over five years at Sling & Stone, as well as stints at Red Havas and Klick X.

Sound Story's Managing Partner, Jake Challenor, said: "The way stories are told - and the way they spread - is always evolving. We built Sound Story to help creative industry leaders and challengers make sense of that complexity and turn it into opportunity.

"The addition of Kate, Nick, Geoff and Brooke, alongside Zanda stepping up as Head of Corporate Communications, further strengthens our capabilities with the depth and expertise needed to help our clients manage their reputation on the world stage."

^{(Pictured: Kate McCabe)}