16 November 2023
Overview
For years, PR professionals have grappled with the challenge of securing a seat at the executive table. Many have laddered up to roles in Marketing, Human Resources executives, or even Legal heads. But with the evolving global landscape, marked by increasing complexities and the unprecedented climate crisis, CEOs are increasingly looking for adept communicators to navigate the organisation through uncertainty.
The crucial question that arises is: how can you secure your seat at the table of decision-makers?
Gain valuable insights from some of New Zealand’s foremost PR experts, who will come together in a panel to bring first-hand experience from their roles within executive leadership teams. To ensure a robust and valuable conversation for attendees, this event will have limited tickets available and operate under Chatham House Rules.
Leela Gantman, Director of Corporate Relations and Sustainability at Spark New Zealand
Leela joined Spark as Corporate Relations and Sustainability Director in January 2020, bringing with her over 20 years’ experience in corporate and agency roles in New Zealand and Australia. Prior to joining Spark Leela was Head of Communications at Fletcher Building, and before this External Relations Director at beverages group Lion in Australia. Before heading inhouse Leela worked across several Australian PR agencies, including Weber Shandwick and Professional Public Relations.
As Spark’s Corporate Relations and Sustainability Director Leela is responsible for reputation management, internal communications, government, industry, and community engagement, sustainability strategy, and the charitable activities of the Spark Foundation. She also serves as a Trustee on the Spark Foundation Board. Leela holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Technology Sydney.
Peter Parussini, Executive General Manager of Public, Consumer and Govt Affairs at ANZ
Peter is responsible for ANZ’s external and internal communications, government relations, corporate social responsibility, environmental, social and governance (ESG) and customer relations.
Peter has more than 30 years’ experience in corporate affairs, including international affairs, mergers and acquisitions, national and education campaigns, sports marketing, journalism and local and central government.
Peter has won national and international public relations awards, has been recognised for his work in low decile schools, is a published author and sits on a number of boards.
Chris Abbott, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Contact Energy
Chris Abbott in Contact Energy’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. Chris is responsible for Contact’s communications, sustainability, legal, government relations and regulatory functions. Chris has previously held senior roles in regulation, economics and public policy in the telecommunications and finance sectors both in New Zealand and the UK.
Anna Shipley, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at The Warehouse Group (TWG)
Anna is a Corporate Affairs, Marketing and Communications leader with global expertise and experience. She joined the leadership team at The Warehouse Group (TWG) in October 2022 in a newly created role as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer.
Prior to TWG, Anna was General Manager Corporate Affairs at BNZ, as well as Director of Communications for Nokia China and APAC based in Beijing, and Head of Communications for Nokia & UK based in London.
