Communications and Public Relations Australia names new directors

Communications and Public Relations Australia has named its three new directors, with one being its chair.

The announcement:

At its first AGM under its new name, Communications and Public Relations Australia (formerly PRIA) appointed three new directors and celebrated key milestones in its 75th year.

Helen Hutchings, Luisa Megale and Cassandra Erbs were elected as directors of the board, and in its first meeting, the Board appointed Helen Hutchings as chair, succeeding Shane Allison.

CPRA also celebrated 10 percent growth in membership in the past 12 months and the involvement of more than 140 members in volunteer roles across the organisation.

New chair and managing director of Phillips Group, Helen Hutchings said the organisation was in a strong position following the implementation of the name change and new constitution in early 2024.

“There is a renewed energy for CPRA within our industry. Members are seeing the benefits of increased training and professional development opportunities and our leadership and advocacy on key issues such as AI, ethics and education,” Ms Hutchings said.

“I would like to thank our outgoing Chair, Shane Allison for his drive and determination to modernise our association and create a foundation from which we can grow and prosper.”

The Board also appointed Douglas Wright of Wrights Communication as deputy chair, and farewelled Leigh McClusky past PRIA president and head of McCo Group and Clare Bell, long standing board member and director of Associated Advertising & Promotions.

The CPRA Board of Directors comprises:

• Helen Hutchings (chair), managing director of Phillips Group and a continuing board member representing Agencies

• Douglas Wright (deputy chair), managing director of Wrights Communication and a continuing board member representing Agencies

• Shane Allison, founder & CEO at Phronesis and immediate past chair of CPRA, representing Agencies

• Luisa Megale, former group head of corporate affairs and marketing at Lendlease, a new director representing Corporates

• Cassandra Erbs, missions and strategic engagement leader at CSIO, a new director representing Government

• Tom Worsley, PR & corporate partnerships manager at Bridgestone Australia, a continuing director representing Corporates

• Jane Speechley, communication and campaigns lead at RSPCA Australia, a continuing director representing Not-For-Profits

• Zoe Viellaris, chief communications officer at ASIC, a continuing director representing Government

• Luke Schepen, corporate affairs lead at Commonwealth Bank, a continuing director representing Corporates

• Annie Hayward, executive director at IRS, a continuing director representing Agencies

Source: CPRA

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topics Annie Hayward Cassandra Erbs Communications and Public Relations Australia CPRA Douglas Wright Helen Hutchings Jane Speechley Luisa Megale Luke Schepen Shane Allison Tom Worsley Zoe Viellaris

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