PR News
<span id="hs_cos_wrapper_name" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_text" style="" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="text" >Virgin Australia welcomes back familiar face to pilot PR and brand</span>

Virgin Australia welcomes back familiar face to pilot PR and brand

Virgin Australia has appointed Matthew Ongarello as Group Head of PR and Brand, marking his return to the airline after serving as Head of News at Virgin Group in London.

Matthew brings with him experience working across Virgin Group’s global company portfolio, following several years in senior positions in Virgin Australia's corporate affairs and PR teams.
 
"It’s a privilege to come home to Virgin Australia," Matthew commented. "The Virgin brand has always been synonymous with creativity, innovation and heart. I look forward to leading our incredible PR, Brand and Creative Services teams as we continue to tell the Virgin Australia story in a way that inspires our people, partners and guests.
 
"Aviation has a way of capturing you and never letting go. My first role at Virgin Australia was behind the check-in counter at Melbourne Airport while I was studying at RMIT, and I’m honoured to now come full circle as Group Head of PR and Brand."
 
As part of his responsibilities, Matthew oversees the Virgin Australia and Velocity Frequent Flyer public relations, brand strategy, and creative direction. He is further tasked with shaping the airline and loyalty program’s external reputation and strengthening its brand positioning.

"We're thrilled to welcome Matthew back to the Virgin Australia family," said Libby Minogue, Virgin Australia Chief Marketing Officer. "Matthew’s deep understanding of the Virgin brand, combined with his international experience across the Virgin Group portfolio, makes him the perfect person to lead our PR and Brand team during this exciting period of growth.

"Matthew's passion for aviation and storytelling, along with his proven track record of building meaningful connections between brands and people, will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen Virgin Australia's position as Australia's most loved airline."

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M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment wins global PR account for HUGO BOSS

M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment has been appointed global PR agency of record for HUGO BOSS’s brands, BOSS and HUGO.

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M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment will work for BOSS and HUGO on product and campaign launches, sporting partnerships, fashion shows, global events, retail activations, and store openings. The agency will also help support the brands’ positioning across fashion, sport, and culture through earned media, strategic partnerships, and editorial opportunities.

James Foster, SVP Global Marketing at HUGO BOSS, said: "As we look to accelerate the next phase of growth for our brands, it was important to find an accomplished, like-minded partner that could bring together strategic thinking, cultural expertise and international scale.

“M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment demonstrated a deep understanding of our brands, our vision and the audiences we want to reach. Their experience across fashion, sport and culture, combined with a truly connected global approach, made them the ideal partner as we continue to strengthen the presence and perception of BOSS and HUGO worldwide."

Laura Coller, UK CEO of M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment, said: "As two of the world’s most recognisable premium fashion and lifestyle brands, BOSS and HUGO represent a significant addition to our portfolio. We can’t wait to start our journey with the team and evolve and expand these iconic brands into new and exciting spaces together.”

Robin Clarke, Global CEO of M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment said, “Leading both global and local responsibilities through one integrated international team is a key strength of ours, and we're excited to be part of bringing the vision of BOSS and HUGO to life in markets around the world." 

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SBM Marketing Communications becomes Lumitas

SBM Marketing Communications has rebranded to Lumitas.

The rebrand reflects the agency’s expanding communications and creative capabilities, investment in proprietary technology, AI-enabled workflows, new facilities and an integrated delivery model spanning Australia and Chennai.

It also brings together creative, communications, production and technology into one connected team designed to help organisations navigate the marketing landscape.

The name draws inspiration from the concepts of light (Lumen) and truth (Veritas), reflecting the business's heritage in photography and creative production, and its communication and PR capabilities.

James Hannan, CEO of Lumitas, said: "SBM has been part of the marketing industry for more than 50 years and we're incredibly proud of that history. Lumitas builds on that, creating a brand that better reflects who we are today and the future we're building for our clients.

“The business changed before the name did. Lumitas simply gives us a clearer identity for where we are now and where we're heading, which is all in aid of making life easier for our clients.”