Directors & senior staff

She provides strategic advice to GRACosway’s clients on a broad range of public policy and government engagement matters.

Prior to joining GRACosway, Annabel served as a political adviser across the Victorian Government, including as a senior adviser to a former Premier. While working in government, Annabel collaborated with officials, departments and stakeholders to support policy reforms and initiatives.

Annabel’s experience in politics has equipped her with a nuanced understanding of governance, enabling her to offer invaluable insights into the intricacies of public policy. She has experience navigating complex landscapes to deliver large scale infrastructure projects across diverse industries including energy, housing and transport.

Annabel holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from Deakin University.

Brigid has an unmatched blend of expertise and insight into the nuances of public policy formulation, regulatory processes and stakeholder engagement. Her unique skillset and extensive networks across government departments and agencies, regulators, and the political, media, and business landscapes enable her to effectively develop and deliver strategic and impactful public sector communication programs at the state and federal levels of government.

Prior to joining GRACosway, Brigid was Deputy Chief of Staff to a NSW Minister for Regional Health, Mental Health and Women and the Minister for Education, where she provided critical support to the government and stakeholders as Australia grappled with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brigid was also the ABC’s Chief NSW Political Editor for a decade and was a presenter on ABC TV News Channel. Brigid has also held a number of senior reporter roles, both in Australia and overseas, across TV and radio news and current affairs, specialising in politics, business, agriculture and mining.

Brigid has a Bachelor of Arts (Communications) from Charles Sturt University and is an Ambassador for The Gidget Foundation, a not-for-profit that supports parents suffering from peri-natal depression and anxiety.

He has more than a decade of global communications experience and a strong financial services background. He has previously worked in the UK for Europe’s largest bank, HSBC, and provides strategic counsel to many of the firm’s banking, superannuation, general and life insurance clients.

As GRACosway’s senior Brisbane communications counsel, Brendan has also acted on many large Queensland transactions and is a trusted advisor to his clients in managing strategic projects.

Earlier in his career, Brendan worked as the media manager for Australia’s national Rugby Union team, the Wallabies, and before this at the Queensland Rugby Union.

Brendan holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the Queensland University of Technology.

At GRACosway, Caroline has specialised in issues management, strategic media engagement and large-scale transaction support, with particular focus on retail, property and tourism sectors. She has worked closely with clients like Knight Frank Australia, Macquarie and Tourism Australia on developing and managing their corporate reputations.

Caroline Stanley joined GRACosway from the Virgin Australia Group, where she was responsible for managing media and brand reputation across a wide range of issues. At Virgin, Caroline’s role extended across the corporate, consumer and operational facets of the Group businesses and she was responsible for both internal and external communications. Caroline is particularly skilled in issues management and is highly regarded for her approach to solving problems relating to corporate and customer-facing issues.

Prior to her role at Virgin, Caroline worked at Clemenger BBDO where she gained detailed insights into brand strategy and the strategic challenges faced by national corporations.

Caroline has a Bachelor of Laws (Hons)(LLB) and Bachelor of Arts (Psychology/Journalism) from Bond University.

Graham uses his research, technical and issues evaluation skills to assist with the development of strategic communications and reputation management programs for a broad range of clients and transactions. He also leverages his program scheduling and logistical capabilities on large transaction projects.

Graham has been involved in a majority of the practice’s transactional assignments (M&A, IPOs, trade sales) and works on a variety of corporate assignments, which currently include Link Group, Santos, Virgin Australia and Suncorp.

Graham holds a Bachelor of Science Eng. (Metallurgy) from the University of London.

Jack drives collaboration and connectivity across the firm, implementing strategies to develop our people and overseeing central team functions, including the firm’s national research team and graduate program.

Prior to joining the firm, Jack was an advisor at the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), the independent authority responsible for the supervision of financial institutions. At APRA, Jack was engaged on a variety of regulatory issues, both domestically and internationally, across banking, financial technology, cyber security and climate change.

Jack was previously the CEO & Executive Director of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, where he provided corporate strategy, market entry, and risk advice to senior business leaders. He also led the concept creation and opening of Australia House by AustCham Shanghai, a seven-storey building dedicated to Australia-China business that was opened in 2019.

Prior to his time living in China, Jack worked at GRACosway managing the firm’s national research and policy function.

Jack holds a Bachelor of Arts with first class honours from the University of Sydney.

Prior to joining GRACosway, Jaimi served as a senior Health and Education adviser to a NSW Premier and worked to provide critical support to government, departments and stakeholders throughout the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. An excellent problem solver, Jaimi relishes a challenge and enjoys working with clients to find solutions to complex issues.

Jaimi has previously worked within the public health system, in ministerial and leadership offices at both state and federal levels, and has held various senior communications roles in Australia and overseas, including in the higher education sector and at an award-winning communications and creative agency.

Jaimi holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in political science from UNSW and completed a Master of Communications at Griffith University.

Prior to joining GRACosway, Joel served as a Media Adviser to a Federal Treasurer, where he provided media relations support and counsel across multiple Federal Budgets, the announcement of stimulus measures throughout the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, significant legislative reforms, and for a Federal Election campaign.

Joel’s national and international communications experience is extensive, as are his media networks, having worked as a journalist, news anchor, correspondent and producer in Australia, Asia, USA, Europe and the Middle East for the likes of CNN, Reuters and 2GB.

Joel has deep expertise in developing and implementing communications strategies, having previously led communications for international companies, including a venture capital firm and its portfolio companies in Hong Kong. During this time, Joel’s work spanned media relations, profile-raising, reputation management, issues and crisis management, IPO preparation, internal communications, media training and investor relations.

Joel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications (Journalism) from the University of Technology Sydney.

Kirstin has deep working knowledge of the Queensland parliamentary and political landscape having worked as a senior research and media advisor to members of parliament. Throughout her time in government, she focused on policy development, stakeholder engagement and communications support particularly in the areas of transport and agriculture.

Most recently, Kirstin was the Head of Media and Communications at a corporate communications firm in Brisbane where she operated as a trusted advisor to some of Australia’s leading investment funds and ASX-listed companies. In this role, she provided clients with expert communications counsel across strategy development and execution, media relations, reputation/profile building, and issues and crisis management.

Previously, Kirstin held senior roles across several newsrooms in Queensland, including as a journalist, as the editor of a national industry publication, and as the assistant chief of staff at a News Corp daily newspaper.

Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Journalism/Arts (International Relations) from the University of Queensland.

A strategic and pragmatic thinker, Matthew is highly skilled in policy development and reform, having worked as a senior policy manager for the Financial Services Council (FSC), the peak body for the financial services sector. In this role, he led the development and implementation of mandatory standards, policies and policy reforms in the areas of superannuation, life insurance and financial advice.

Matthew was previously a Chief of Staff to a NSW Senator where he led policy development and stakeholder engagement across the portfolios of Small Business and Financial Services, gaining experience across auditing, small business protections, life insurance, AML-CTF legislation and Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) processes.

Matthew has deep working knowledge of parliamentary processes and procedures, having set up and participated in numerous Senate Inquiries, Senate Estimates and committee hearings. He has also worked for a Federal government agency, contributing to major governance reforms which improved probity and efficiency in grants administration.

Matthew has a Bachelor of Laws from Western Sydney University.

A former financial analyst and institutional stockbroker as well as a representative of the London Stock Exchange, Sarah has led national communications and investor relations programs for blue-chip clients and challenger brands in banking and financial services, technology, professional services, property, retail, tourism, and not-for-profit sectors, as well as for industry peak bodies.

Sarah’s work with GRACosway includes strategy development and implementation; investor relations; stakeholder and change communications; media engagement; corporate profiling and positioning; IPO and M&A communications; and issues and crisis communication and management.

She is deeply experienced in providing counsel to C-suite teams and boards for special or ongoing projects and is highly skilled at positioning clients as thought leaders in their fields.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts (English Language and Literature) from Lancaster University, UK.

Sharon works to design and implement strategies that will attract, engage, and develop employees, while strengthening collaboration and connectivity across the firm. Her role also involves managing central team functions, including the firm’s national research team and graduate program, along with a range of operational compliance processes.

Prior to joining GRACosway, Sharon worked in communications, research and project roles in the office of a South Australian Senator and in the higher education sector.

Sharon holds qualifications in Journalism, International Relations and Teaching from the University of South Australia.

Eleonora’s extensive expertise spans investor relations, superannuation, funds management (for both private and public sector investor funds), investment research, business development and financial planning. She also has experience in ESG policy development and governance reviews for large industry super funds.

Prior to joining GRACosway, Eleanora worked in KPMG’s advisory services business and before that held roles at Morningstar and Schroder Investment Management.

Eleonora holds a Master of Commerce (Finance) and Bachelor of Economics from UNSW. She is a CFA Charterholder and has completed a Diploma of Investor Relations from the Australian Investor Relations Association (AIRA).

Grace is highly experienced in delivering communications strategy development and implementation support, corporate positioning, media relations, transaction communications support, and crisis and issues management.

She joined GRACosway from communications and public relations firm FleishmanHillard, where she managed corporate communications for large financial services, tourism and telecommunications clients. Prior to that, Grace worked at public relations agency Liquid Ideas, with clients spanning the lifestyle, hospitality, and FMCG sectors.

Grace holds a Bachelor of International and Global Studies (International Relations) from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Diploma of Journalism from the University of Technology Sydney.

Prior to joining GRACosway, Nick served in the office of the Shadow Minister for Communications, before joining the Clemenger Group in 2015 through the Clemenger Graduate Program. Joining fellow Clemenger Group public relations company Porter Novelli, he strengthened his skills in stakeholder engagement, issues management and insight-led media campaigns that drive public interest.

Through his career, Nick has supported clients to increase their positive media recognition and navigate a way through issues affecting their reputation. He has also assisted on a number of Federal Government initiatives supporting Australia’s priority growth sectors.

Nick holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science from The University of Sydney.

Pnina has expertise in developing key public policies and strategies for elected members of Parliament, as well as creating news and media content.

Prior to joining GRACosway, Pnina served as an adviser to the Federal Minister for Communications, a former Federal Independent Member of Parliament, and a Councillor for the City of Sydney. Having worked for a NSW Labor Party President in recent years, Pnina is well versed in the intricacies of NSW political dynamics.

Pnina also gained experience working in the media sector, crafting engaging, contemporary and informative content for The Daily Aus newspaper and Channel Nine television on a variety of platforms including podcasts, social media, and television broadcasting.

Pnina holds a degree in Communications, majoring in Social and Political Sciences from the University of Technology Sydney and is a graduate of the National Art School.

Prior to joining the corporate world, Sarah was one of Australia’s most experienced commercial television producers, where she produced investigative reports across programs on major commercial networks including Seven, Nine, and 10.

With a deep understanding of the media landscape, Sarah is able to rapidly translate and unpack complex communications challenges to support clients through high-pressure situations. Her specialist expertise includes crisis preparedness; risk, reputation, and media management; litigation support; media training; and the development and execution of strategic communications campaigns.

As GRACosway’s senior Melbourne communications counsel, Sarah advises on major transactions in Victoria and is a trusted advisor to clients in managing strategic projects.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) from Deakin University.

A highly experienced media strategist and political adviser, Sophie has held both in-house and consulting roles across newsrooms, industry and government.

Prior to joining GRACosway, Sophie worked on major infrastructure projects, including Western Sydney Airport and Westconnex, where she delivered strategic communications counsel, media management services and external affairs advice.

Previously, Sophie was a Director of Communications for a deputy leader of a state political party and worked directly with senior state government leaders through major crisis events, including bushfires, the COVID-19 pandemic, and flooding events, to communicate rapid policy changes and implement complex, multi-level communications plans.

The first two decades of her career were spent as a broadcast journalist with on-air roles at the BBC, Channel 7, and Sky Business.

Sophie holds a Bachelor of Arts (Communications) from Griffith University with majors in Broadcast Journalism and Film and Media.