Kieran Moore is wrapping up her affairs at WPP AUNZ later this month.

She stated that after almost two decades, the time was right to pursue new opportunities elsewhere.

Moore’s long run with WPP and its previous iterations started with Howorth in 2003, where she eventually rose to managing director. She later landed the CEO post at the former Ogilvy PR, with Howorth as one of the satellite brands to oversee. 

She would later be tapped to head the PR/GR agency cluster during the STW/WPP merger, the experiential design group, and the group communications and marketing area.

“Kieran is well known and highly respected both internally and externally and is a friend to many. I have personally known and worked with Kieran for a long period of time and will truly miss her. We thank Kieran for the extraordinary effort, energy and commitment over the years with the company and wish her every success in the future,” said WPP AUNZ COO John Steedman.

PR agency Haystac has won the account for leisure equipment maker Springfree Trampoline. 

The Haystac team beat out five other agencies during a recent pitch. 

The work will involve social, influencer relations, and media engagement.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the team at Springfree Trampoline. Trampolines have been hugely popular for families during lockdown, and with Springfree’s unwavering focus on safety, quality and durability, it has been a popular brand for parents,” said Haystac Melbourne GM Nicole Hamilton.

“Springfree’s focus for the future excited us immensely and allows us the opportunity to produce a variety of fun and creative content. For a new brand to trust the Haystac team at such an uncertain time is testament to the value we provide to our existing partners.”

Workplace messaging platform Slack has hired Stephanie Aye as the senior communications manager for its APAC division, reported Mumbrella.

She came in after finishing up almost five years at HP, where she served as ANZ media relations manager and head of communications then moved up to the APJ executive communications department. 

“Tech is an incredible industry to work in, which is why I’ve spent much of my career working for some of the world’s biggest tech companies. At an unprecedented time like this, when the world is facing so many serious challenges, tech is truly at the forefront – from supporting the COVID-19 response to enabling organisations to shift to remote work in a matter of weeks, even days,” said Aye.

Follow Aye on LinkedIn.

RED Havas is now the agency of record for oral rehydration product maker Hydralyte (pictured).

The new deal will involve development of media and influencer relations to bolster Hydralyte’s product line as a credible rehydration solution.

Havas Boulevard is also tapped to overhaul the official Hydralyte website for better user functionality. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Hydralyte into our portfolio. It’s a fantastic brand with big ambitions and a desire to make a difference in people’s everyday lives through the power of hydration. We are looking forward to championing their brand narrative in the coming months and ensure they become a meaningful brand in supporting consumer health,” said RED Havas healthcare practice head Sue Cook.

WPP AUNZ has successfully finished the unification of digital marketing and media consultancy Switched On and innovation and experience design agency AKQA (pictured).

The merger calls for the Switched On brand name to be retired, and its staff integrated into the AKQA organizational structure, with their previous responsibilities intact. 

As a result, Switched On MD Chris Hitchcock will be AKQA’s new managing director for media, with WPP APAC managing partner Brian Vella as his immediate superior. 

“In line with our new strategy, the combined capabilities of these teams truly provide the ability to craft experiences that are transformative, distinctive, and tuned to ROI. They also represent WPP AUNZ’s focus on providing expertise across the key areas of commerce, experience and technology, backed by the best of data, creativity and innovation. We’re excited to see the final stage of this merger come to fruition and look forward to AKQA’s conti

Tourism NT is beginning FY21 with a strong PR effort from several agencies.

Mumbrella reported that the state body retained Access PR’s services to prepare the local tourism industry for new activities as borders are being reopened on 17 July.

Access PR has been on the Tourism NT account since 2017, but the organisation is putting it alongside new entries Mango Communications, PEPR Agency, and Edelman Australia. 

“To maximise the broadest range of talents differing agencies have to offer we have created this panel to service Tourism NT’s PR activity so it aligns with our wider-ranging marketing activity, enhances the NT brand, destination positioning, breaks down perceived barriers and creates a sense of urgency to visit. We look forward to working with them all and spreading the message that holidays to the Northern Territory are truly ‘Different’ in every sense,” said Tourism NT EGM for marketing Tony Quarmby.

The PR agency listing comes a

Lauren Hunt is now part of the Clemenger PR organisation as its senior business director.

She will be tasked with business development duties for Clemenger PR, reporting to company head Nick Zonnios.

Hunt came over from WPP agency Hill+Knowlton, where she served for two years on clients such as a leading Japanese automaker, a prominent American fast food chain, and a major digital music platform.

“It’s an absolute privilege being a part of the Clemenger PR team. Working with a group that has creativity as its core is an exciting opportunity for earned media, and I look forward to leading existing and new clients to do great work in this space,” said Hunt.

Follow Hunt on LinkedIn.