NBN digital comms role for Scott Rhodie

Ousted Fleishmann-Hillard VP of digital media Scott Rhodie has taken up a new role heading digital communications for the National Broadband Network, Mumbrella can reveal.

Rhodie has been appointed to the role of digital communications manager for NBNCo.

He started in the new role this week.

As Mumbrella reported last month, Rhodie was made redundant from his role at Fleishman-Hillard by boss Walter Jennings as the Omnicom agency moved to reduce its staff costs. Meanwhile, Fleishman-Hillard announced Jennings’ own sudden departure last night.  

Originally a journalist on News Corp’s Scottish edition of The Sun newspaper, Rhodie has also worked at Australian PR agencies including Zing, Network PR, Pulse and House Party. Until taking up the politically sensitive NBN post he was also a regular commentator on the Mumbrellacast podcast.

Andrew Sholl, GM of external communications for NBNCo said: “We are delighted to welcome Scott Rhodie to NBN Co. His experience across journalism, social media, digital and public relations will make him an invaluable asset as we communicate our message to all Australians. Scott will be part of the team communicating our key messages out to the general public.”

Rhodie said: “I have been a massive fan of the NBN since it was announced. It’s an exciting role and I’m really passionate about the end-result for all of Australia. The NBN is a gateway to a more exciting digital world which will benefit to many people and so many industries.”

Rhodie’s appointment coincides with the launch of a YouTube channel for NBN as it promotes the benefits of high speed broadband.

NBN has also launched on Twitter in the last few days.