Oracle ANZ comms lead exits amid global layoffs
Aurora Sassone
Global tech giant Oracle has parted ways with its local communications lead, Aurora Sassone, amid a wave of global layoffs driven by increased investment in generative AI.
Sassone, who joined the Larry Ellison-owned software company four years ago, announced her departure on Linkedin, noting she was “proud to have played a part in how much the Oracle brand has transformed in ANZ”.
Mumbrella understands that communications for Australia and New Zealand will now be led from Oracle’s regional headquarters in Singapore.
Both Sassone and Oracle were approached for comment on the departure and regional changes, but did not respond.
Writing on Linkedin, Sassone thanked her “colleagues, customers, partners and media community for the trust, collaboration and friendships that turned work into something much more meaningful.”
“I’m grateful to have been part of that journey,” she said. “As for what comes next, I don’t have it all mapped out yet, but I’m looking forward to the next adventure, whatever shape it takes.”
Sassone’s departure coincides with Oracle’s recent shake-up of its local public relations agencies, swapping out Publicis groupe-owned Herd msl for Australian independent agency Kicker communications.
The exit also comes as Oracle undergoes what Bloomberg described as its “largest-ever restructuring,” joining other tech giants, including Microsoft, in reducing headcount to offset the costs of accelerating AI investment. Marketing has been cited in reports as one of the affected divisions.
The restructure also mirrors broader industry trends in Australia, with several brands, agencies and media companies announcing redundancies this year.
The increasing adoption of AI and other technological shifts have both been cited as contributing factors.
