PR News

The Drill appoints comms partner in the GCC

The Drill™ crisis simulator has selected Shakespeare Communications to boost its brand profile across the GCC markets, following a competitive pitch.

Established and developed in Australia in 2016, The Drill is an interactive software that replicates crisis challenges and pressures to train and improve crisis response skills, which reflect the unique needs of key Gulf-based sectors, including aviation, banking, government, Sector - Healthcare, oil and gas and tourism.

Managing Director of The Drill, Gerry McCusker, said: “Having visited the GCC for work over the years, we’d become aware of and met Ananda and several of her team. We felt their knowledge of regional media, plus understanding of our platform, would help us build brand awareness when the time was right. And that time is now.”

Shakespeare Communications CEO, Ananda Shakespeare, said: “We are really looking forward to working with The Drill, as it’s an essential tool for any organisation which cares about having the right plans and skills for managing crises. As any business owner knows, being forewarned is being forearmed - and that ethos literally needs to be drilled into all issues, risk and crisis response staff. Preparedness before crises erupt is key, and we are helping The Drill get that strong message out across the region.”
Previous story

Karina Lamb moves in-house as Senior Communications Manager

Next story

VERO bolsters SEA team with promotions

You might also enjoy

Action
Moves

Action Global Communications appoints MD in KSA

Barry King has been appointed Managing Director of Action Global Communications' operations in Saudi Arabia, having spearheaded the agency's re-entry into the Kingdom. Re-establishing the firm's Riyadh office in 2024, he continues expanding the agency's footprint, expertise, and offerings in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

Barry has been with Action for close to nine years, and prior to his latest appointment, he served as the agency's UAE General Manager. Before Action, he held journalism roles with more than 15 years of experience at titles including 7DAYS UAE, Emirates Today, and Gazette Media Company (part of Trinity Mirror) in the UK.

Elevate
Moves

Elevate Communication appoints Communication Director

Integrated marketing and communication agency, Elevate Communication, has bolstered its senior leadership team with the appointment of Amanda Gormley as its new Communication Director. She will lead the agency's communication clients, overseeing national strategy, campaign delivery, and PR programs across the agency’s client portfolio spanning finance, tech, government, health, property, agriculture and not-for-profit sectors.

Amanda brings more than 18 years' experience in strategic communication, PR, media and stakeholder engagement across consumer, corporate and government sectors. She has held senior roles at Australian and London-based agencies, specialising in public relations, issues management, executive profiling, sponsorship, and talent management.

Elevate's Managing Director, Mel Deacon, said Amanda's appointment reinforces the agency's commitment to investing in senior talent and deepening its communication expertise.

"Amanda is an exceptional communicator and leader who brings both creative vision and commercial acumen," Mel said.

"Her appointment adds further depth to our senior team as we continue to expand nationally and build on our reputation as one of Australia's most trusted marketing communication partners."

Roksar
Moves

Roksar Kamal takes on broader responsibilities at agency

MCN has promoted Roksar Kamal to Senior Public Relations Manager. In this expanded role, she is driving the strategic PR agenda across a broader portfolio of MCN’s creative agencies, with a focus on amplifying the agency's work, elevating its leadership presence, strengthening partnerships across the region and strengthening brand equity across key sectors and markets.

"I’m excited to play a deeper role in shaping how we tell our story - to the industry, to our partners, and to the world," Roksar added.

Roksar has been with the agency since last year, and prior to this, she managed PR at Knight Frank Middle East. She also brings content experience from noon, Namshi.com, and ITP.