AUCKLAND, Today: Thrive PR & Communications has reshaped its leadership team across three cities, elevating Sophie Maguire, Kyra Shakspeare and Lwindi Ellis to lead Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland respectively.
The appointments follow former DDB Worldwide Global Chairman Marty O’Halloran joining Thrive as Strategic Advisor earlier this year.
They also come after the launch of Acuity, Thrive’s corporate communications sister agency, as the business continues investing in its people, culture and client relationships across Australia and New Zealand.
Long-time Thrive leader and returning “boomerang” Sophie Maguire will head Melbourne, while Kyra Shakspeare and Lwindi Ellis step up in Brisbane and Auckland.
Leilani Abels, founder and CEO of Thrive and Acuity, said, “I could not be more confident or humbled by the smarts and energy that Sophie, Kyra and Lwindi bring to our leadership bench at Thrive.
“To have three standout female leaders, committed to their teams and clients’ success, is what every agency strives for with their leadership – consistency, connections and creative thinking drive these high-achieving PR women.
“I’m very proud of what they have already achieved at Thrive and their work in our industry. These leadership appointments represent the continued evolution of Thrive. We are once again, taking it up another level for our clients into 2027 and beyond.”
Maguire’s appointment brings her Thrive journey full circle, having first joined the agency as a 21-year-old in 2008 before building experience both internationally and in Australia.
I’m very proud of what they have already achieved at Thrive and their work in our industry.” – Leilani Abels, Founder and CEO, Thrive and Acuity
Maguire said, “I truly never imagined I’d be in this position when I walked through the doors as a 21-year-old in 2008. I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible people and brands, both internationally and here in Australia, but I’ve always found my way back to Thrive.
“It really does feel like a full-circle moment, and I’m genuinely excited to help shape the next chapter of our Melbourne office while building on the strong foundations already in place.
“Melbourne is Australia’s cultural and sporting capital, and I see a huge opportunity for brands who want to be part of the conversations shaping culture.”
In Queensland, Shakspeare sees considerable momentum as Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games—and wants Thrive positioned as far more than an outside agency.
Shakspeare said, “We are building a sharp, infectious energy, zero fluff, and utterly indispensable team. I want our clients to view us less like a hired agency and more like their sharpest internal comms experts.
“There’s an unapologetic momentum up here in Queensland. We have shed the reputation of being a secondary market. We stand on its own two feet, and brands want an authentic presence here.
“Brisbane 2032 isn’t just a distant sporting event on the calendar, it’s an active, six-year golden runway that is fundamentally transforming how businesses talk about legacy, impact and global relevance today.
“Our role is to be the ultimate cheat code for clients on that journey, helping local brands scale onto the world stage and ensuring global brands show up with real local cred.”
Across the Tasman, Ellis plans to grow Thrive’s Auckland team while providing local expertise to both New Zealand organisations and brands operating throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Ellis said, “I was fortunate to have already worked with Thrive for six months before stepping into this role, which gave me a proper runway to understand the agency culture and get to know our global clients like BYD and Afterpay. So when the chance came to take the reins of the NZ business, I jumped at it. Thrive’s an ambitious, creative and forward-thinking agency and I’m delighted to be driving its business here in Aotearoa.”
The appointments strengthen Thrive’s Excess Earned Attention
The post <b>Arrivals & Departures</b>: Thrive appoints three leaders across Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland appeared first on M+AD!.