Transformation to full-service marketing communications company Launch of consumer sub-brand Woosh Launch of Wilkinson Corporate Affairs unit led by Peter Wilkinson

Sydney, NSW -- (SBWire) -- 04/23/2010 -- Communications agency Wilkinson PR has today announced it is becoming the Wilkinson Group and will offer an expanded set of services to clients across a diverse range of industries including technology, environment, government, primary industry, corporate, financial communications, consumer and lifestyle. Beyond traditional communications fundamentals, these services will include online communications and social media, capital markets and investor communications, internal communications, influencer outreach, government lobbying and the company’s new SME support initiative.

The Wilkinson Group, which has offices in Sydney and Melbourne, and is the lead Asia/Pacific member of the international IPREX network, also today publicly launched two new business units; Wilkinson Corporate Affairs, which will provide high level issues management and senior counsel with a focus on small to mid cap companies; and Woosh, the group’s new consumer sub-brand.

Wilkinson Group founder and veteran newsman Peter Wilkinson said, “Since our inception eight years ago we have focused on building a solid foundation for the future through our work with clients on high-profile corporate and issues-based campaigns.

“While the heritage of our firm has been in crisis management and media relations, we’ve now developed new specialisations built around expert practitioners in finance, consumer and lifestyle and this new structure embraces that.”

In July 2009, the company’s board appointed former Ogilvy PR consultant Simon Murphy to head its business operations, since which time Murphy has brought in additional ‘big agency’ experience in the form of Saxon Shirley (formerly Spectrum PR) to head digital and lifestyle and Rebekka Thompson-Jones (formerly Ogilvy PR and Zing) to head the new Woosh consumer division.

Prior to launch, the newly formed team has already completed a number of successful projects for Woolworths, Tiger Airways, Progressive Direct, Zuji, the World Wildlife Fund for their recent Earth Hour and a special environment focused project for the release of HOME on DVD.

Woosh has been launched to represent high-profile FMCG and lifestyle brands around the world. Headed by Rebekka Thompson-Jones, the new consumer division will blend expertise in social media with innovative consumer PR campaigns.

Murphy, Wilkinson Group CEO, said by growing its presence in new industries, Wilkinson is taking advantage of changes in marketing and communications behaviour witnessed over the last 18 months.

"The rise of digital and the GFC have seen a lot of companies now focused on building long-term relationships with customers rather than blink-and-you-miss-it promotions. We have the experience to develop valuable consumer and business advocacy and grow the voice of our clients. Diversification, new blood and a continued commitment to exceptional client service are the primary attributes of the Wilkinson Group.

“The future is exciting for the Wilkinson Group and we look forward to working with a wide ranging portfolio of clients with synergies similar to our own.”

Another development today includes the appointment of financial communications expert Hugh Fraser to the Wilkinson Group board, which is chaired by ex Macquarie Bank Executive Director Tony Fehon.

Fraser will continue to head-up financial and corporate communications firm FCC Partners, and will now also be available to provide counsel to Wilkinson Group’s clients.

Wilkinson Group Board:

Chairman:
Tony Fehon

Director and Company Founder:
Peter Wilkinson

Director:
Hugh Fraser

Director:
Stewart Murrihy

Director:
Simon Murphy

Wilkinson Group Company Structure & Leads:

Group CEO:
Simon Murphy

Wilkinson Corporate Affairs:
Peter Wilkinson

Wilkinson Sydney
Saxon Shirley (Digital & Lifestyle)
Nick Davy (Commerce & Government)
Hugh Fraser (Financial Communications and Corporate Programs)

Woosh:
Rebekka Thompson-Jones

Wilkinson Melbourne:
Simon Mossman

Media Enquiries: Saxon Shirley, 0408 228 077 or sax@wilkinson-group.com.au

Editors Note:
Logo & Images: http://picasaweb.google.com/wilkinsonprimages/WilkinsonGroupRelaunch#