Dentsu Creative’s 2026 global CMO Report, ‘Making it Real’, highlights the challenges marketers face in turning artificial intelligence (AI) investments into business growth, while stressing the importance of human creativity and real-world experiences. Based on a survey of 1,950 senior marketing decision-makers across 14 markets, the report found that 71% of chief marketing officers (CMOs) said AI had improved speed to market, but 70% had yet to see significant cost savings. About 62% said AI-assisted creativity was still unable to fully capture their brand’s tone and identity, while 74% were considering replacing some of their existing tools. The report identifies ten key trends, including the need for distinctive brand identities, stronger customer connections, creator-led campaigns and better integration of media, data and technology. It also found that 83% of CMOs considered hearing directly from customers more important in an increasingly automated wor

Alysha Mortimore joins Bupa Alysha Mortimore has started a new role as change and communications manager at Bupa.  She worked at Transport for NSW for five years, most recently as a senior manager of communications and engagement.  In her previous experience, she worked at Sydney Trains, Rehab Management, and Bureau Veritas Group in various PR roles for a decade. Jack Keys joins Square Jack Keys has joined Square as a business development representative after working for more than two years at Sling & Stone. He was most recently an account manager and previously worked at Pontoon as an account coordinator. Dentsu recruits PR account manager Dentsu Creative is looking to hire a PR account manager based in Sydney. The candidate will drive day-to-day momentum across press office and campaign activity, keeping work moving, stakeholders informed and outputs consistently high quality and develop timely pitches and relevant stories across motoring, lifestyle, educa

Beth Topp joins Asahi Beverages  Beth Topp has taken up a new role as comms manager for strategic projects at Asahi Beverages. Topp worked in various communications roles across the Department of Defence, the Australian Government Department of Finance, the Australian Financial Security Authority, the Department of Treasury and Finance, Victoria, the Bureau of Meteorology, and Crown Resorts. ABC seeks a publicist ABC is looking to hire a publicist based in Sydney or Melbourne. Reporting to the Publicity Manager, you’ll lead the planning and execution of innovative campaigns to promote ABC’s screen content, audio, and news. Working at pace across multiple projects, you’ll manage internal and external stakeholders, including on-screen talent and production partners, ensuring every campaign is delivered with impact.  FUNDAY Natural Sweets recruits a marketing coordinator FUNDAY is looking for an energetic, highly organised and proactive Marketing Coord

Catherine Sumner elevated at nib Group Catherine Sumner has been promoted to group external communications lead at nib Group. In her new role at nib Group, Sumner will be responsible for the organisation’s external communications activities, building on her experience in corporate communications and reputation management. Sumner was most recently the group communications manager for more than a year.  She brings over 15 years of communications experience across Australia and the UK, working across healthcare, consumer, technology and not-for-profit sectors at HubSpot, CSIRO, 303 MullenLowe, Ogilvy PR,  One Anther Community, PLAY Communications, Clemeger Group, YMU and more.

PRCA APAC launches Rising Professionals Network PRCA APAC has launched its Rising Professionals Network, creating a platform for emerging communications professionals from Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia and Japan to help shape discussions around the future of the industry. Chaired by APAC Advisors manager Noemie Viterale, the Network will focus on issues including AI, changing career paths, commercial skills, public affairs and leadership.  Its initiatives will include workshops, thought leadership, education partnerships and industry collaborations, while its first initiative, Next Gen Wire, provides rising professionals with a platform to share their perspectives on communications, PR and public affairs.  The Network will develop further initiatives throughout 2026 and 2027 aimed at building practical skills and giving emerging professionals a greater voice within PRCA APAC and the wider communications industry.  PR Bodies launch mental health survey

Veteran news anchor Richard Morecroft, who presented the NSW 7 pm News for almost two decades, has died aged 70. According to a statement from the ABC, Morecroft presented the bulletin from 1983 to 2002 after previously anchoring ABC News in South Australia.  He also hosted SBS’s Letters and Numbers and ABC’s children’s current affairs program Behind the News.  Morecroft was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and died peacefully on the NSW south coast, with his partner of 36 years, Alison Mackay, beside him. "He was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and was grateful to go peacefully, with his partner of 36 years, Alison Mackay, beside him," they said in an Instagram post. "We are devastated to lose such a warm, generous and caring human and hope that all those who knew him, if only through their TV screens, will remember him fondly." Tributes have flowed from colleagues and public figures, with Australian Story present