Specsavers re-focuses earned comms in ANZ

Trans-Tasman agency, Tonic Communications, has been appointed to lead the Australian launch of AI property decision-making platform, myhomii.

Led by the agency’s Brisbane lead, Amelia Oberhardt, Tonic will oversee communications related to the national launch campaign, covering earned media strategy, media relations, and influencer engagement across business, proptech, property, and consumer media.

Amelia said: "Anyone who’s searched for a property knows the chaos: fourteen tabs, three WhatsApp groups and a mum with opinions. myhomii fixes a problem almost everyone has and almost no one has solved. With affordability pushing more Australians to buy and rent with family and friends, it's a genuine global innovation story with perfect timing."

Melanie Tickle, Founder of myhomii, said: “Tonic understood straight away that myhomii’s story starts with people - the buyers and renters making a big decision, and the family, friends and advisors helping them along the way.

”We wanted a communications partner who could make the technology feel relevant to everyday Australians while building credibility in the property and business sectors. Amelia and the team brought that understanding, alongside the creativity and clear strategy we were looking for to launch myhomii.”

Independent communications, public affairs, and research group, Sandpiper, has announced the promotion of three senior leaders.

Elizabeth Chu has been promoted to Managing Director, Financial Services and Managing Director, Singapore. She will oversee the growth of the financial services practice and take on broader regional leadership responsibilities. Elizabeth previously served as Deputy General Manager of Sandpiper Singapore before being appointed to lead the Singapore business in 2024.

Kimberley Spear has been appointed Managing Director, Financial and to the newly created role of Head of Employee Experience. Previously General Manager, Hong Kong, for five years, she will now oversee employee experience, including consultant development, and workplace culture.

Unice Liu has stepped into the newly created role of Head of Growth Markets. She will lead Sandpiper’s efforts in supporting organisations entering, expanding, and investing in growth markets, with a focus on risk management, reputation, and stakeholder engagement across Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

"Our success has been built on two pillars: exceptional people and an unwavering focus on delivering results for our clients,” said Emma Smith, CEO of Sandpiper Group.

”As organisations continue to invest in growth across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, they need advisers who combine local insight with regional reach, specialist expertise, and deep stakeholder understanding. These promotions reflect our commitment to investing in the next generation of our leaders who will help shape Sandpiper's future, strengthen our capabilities and continue delivering outstanding outcomes for our clients. Developing talent from within isn't just part of our culture; it's part of our DNA.”

(Pictured, from left: Elizabeth Chu, Kimberley Spear, and Unice Liu)

Asep Budiman has joined Priority Consultants as Account Director, based in Jakarta.

In the new role, he leads the firm's operations in Indonesia, overseeing client strategy, strategic communications, reputation management, business development and team growth.

Asep brings more than 18 years of experience in journalism, agency and in-house communications. He joins from Redhill, where he most recently served as Senior Account Manager.