By James Wells
SYDNEY: From next Monday, the public relations account for Sony Australia will reside within the same company currently representing Electrolux and Sony PlayStation – Hausmann Communications.
Newly-appointed Sony Australia managing director, Carl Rose, and Sony Australia group manager – corporate marketing communications, Tim Rich, decided to discontinue its PR relationship with Damien Stenmark’s Stenmark Organisation in late April after eight years.
Rich previously worked with Hausmann Communications during his time at Electrolux Home Products, reporting to marketing director – David Woolbank.
Sony said today that Hausmann won the account after a competitive five-way pitch that also included the D’Arcy Partnership, Professional Public Relations and Spectrum Communications. Stenmark will continue to manage the public relations for the philanthropic organisation – Sony Foundation, as well as Sony Ericsson.
John Singleton’s STW Communications recently sold a 49 per cent stake in the Stenmark Organisation back to founder and chairman, Damien Stenmark, after acquiring the share in 2003.
“Hausmann has been tasked with developing and executing Sony Australia’s PR activities for its entire electronics business, including both the consumer and business solutions divisions,” Sony said in a statement today.
“We recognise the role of public relations is changing both in Australia and around the world, and look forward to working closely with Hausmann to develop campaigns that will continue to excite our consumers and also engage new consumers,” said Sony Australia group manager – corporate marketing communications, Tim Rich.
“We chose Hausmann to be our PR partner based on the demonstrated ability to understand the needs of our business as well as the environments in which our consumers exist. We believe the Hausmann team brings with it fresh ideas and thinking, as well as a genuine passion for the technology and lifestyle spaces.”
Hausmann Communications principal, Judi Hausmann, said she is looking forward to working more on the Sony brand.
“We are delighted to have been appointed to work with the world’s leading consumer and business technology provider and extend our relationship with Sony beyond Sony Computer Entertainment.
"I’m excited to see Hausmann’s consumer technology offering continue to expand and look forward to applying our knowledge, expertise and passion for the electronics industry to maximise the countless opportunities the Sony brand provides.”
The team at Hausmann will complement Sony’s in-house public relations and corporate communications function, which includes Jenny Geddes, Nina Hearne and former Stenmark employee, Ruben Lawrence share the role of managing Sony’s corporate communications, while another former Stenmark employee, Kelly Finlay has been appointed to the newly-created role of peer-to-peer marketing communications manager.