Purple

Experienced public relations executive Fiona McRobert is returning to Perth to lead the local office of PPR, as the one-time market leader seeks to rebuild its WA practice after a long period of downsizing.

Six new leasing deals have been confirmed for the CBD this week, including strategic communications company Cannings Purple, which has today announced its relocation from West Perth to Brookfield Place Tower 2.

Adapting services to include new digital platforms is a key focus for the major players in Perth’s communications sector led by Cannings Purple, which has maintained its top spot on the Business News ranking of the state’s largest public and investor relations firms.

Perth lobbying firm GRA Everingham has announced a new name along with a broadening of its services and an update to its ownership.

Two major organisations have recently honoured successful Western Australians, with the Australian Institute of Company Directors presenting exellence awards to Wayne Osborn and Erica Smyth, while Curtin University has recognised the achievements of two former 40under40 winners.

ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL: Professional services firms in most industry sectors in WA have increasingly become aligned with international groups. This article is part of a special series to mark Business News' 25-year anniversary.

Navitas directors have recommended shareholders accept an increased $2.1 billion takeover proposal by a consortium that includes its founder and former chief executive, Rod Jones, who says the new ownership would boost the company's prospects .

SPECIAL REPORT: Global players are converging on WA as resources assets become increasingly attractive in the international arena.

The board of Gindalbie Metals has recommended shareholders accept a takeover offer from its Karara project partner Ansteel, and has proposed to demerge its wholly-owned subsidiary Coda Minerals.

Local Aboriginal leaders hope WA can match the success of the federal government’s indigenous procurement policy.

Water Corporation chairman Mike Hollett has tendered his resignation, citing business and family interests, just two months after being reappointed to the role. Deputy chair David Lock will act in the role until a permanent chair is appointed.

Marketing and communications firm WPP AUNZ has promoted Steve Harris to a regional leadership role as the group starts to implement a strategy that includes bringing together its multiple brands into a single location.

As the effects of the coronavirus pandemic worsen, businesses are making sure they are prepared for disruption, with many trialing work from home arrangements.

Public relations may not immediately spring to mind in terms of business sectors likely to experience ongoing demand amid the COVID-19-driven economic downturn.

A flood of money for goldminers has defined WA’s corporate finance market this year, with Canaccord Genuity and Macquarie Capital leading the charge.

Communications consultancy Cannings Purple has shifted one of its founding directors, Warrick Hazeldine, from managing director to non-executive chair of the board following the retirement of outgoing chair Keith Jones on January 31st next year.

WA businesses are increasingly bringing communication professionals in-house, forcing smaller firms and established players to adapt.

Karen Brown will become chair of Cannings Purple's board, replacing the communication firm’s founder Warrick Hazeldine who is stepping down in February.

Two Perth business people from very different backgrounds – fast food and corporate communications – have teamed up to establish a joint family office and private equity venture.

With multiple changes at the top of WA’s leading investor relations firms, we review their performance and strategies.

Business News has updated its lobbyists database, with global equity partners, integrated offerings and political connections a strong indicator of performance.

Our weekly appointments wrap includes Carina Tan-Van Baren, Russell Gibbs, Yujing Lim, James Cox, Glenn Poole, Charlie Gunningham, Danelle Cross, Anna Shave, Oliver Bazzani, Eliza Carbines, Sandy Chong, Jemma Iles, Kent Matla, Clare Mould, Faz Pollard and Mette Wendler.

Our weekly appointments wrap includes Chris Paull, Jo Monery, David Andrew, Charmaine Lamprecht, Nicola Spicer, Meg O'Neill, Tanya Rybarczyk and Bep Uink.

Marketing and communications agency Purple has appointed Fran Lawrence as its new chief executive taking over the reins from Annette Ellis.

Our weekly appointments wrap includes James Nicholls, Zac Donovan, Holly Buschman, Fran Lawrence, Peter Jones, Peter Secker and Jean Sebastien Boutet.