Jacqui Munro has been appointed by Red Havas to its new public affairs offering as senior account director.
The political and strategic communications advisor will join as second in command to Lawrence Muskitta, head of public affairs, to help build the public affairs practice which launched back in December 2021.
In the new position, she will be responsible for crisis and issues management, corporate social responsibility and public advocacy for Havas Village clients and other organisations looking to manage external change and take part in public debate.
Munro’s new role comes after her time at boutique PR firm Agenda C and working alongside clients in banking, economics and education.
She previously worked for former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, former NSW premiere Gladys Berejiklian, and Dr Kerryn Phelps, former federal member for Parliament and president of the Australian Medical Association.
Munro has also worked on national public advocacy projects and was a media adviser for the 2017 Marriage Equality campaign.
She is also a familiar face on TV and radio as a regular contributor to ABC’s The Drum and ABC Radio’s Spin Doctors.
Muskitta welcomed the appointment, noting Munro’s experience in public policy and media relations brought invaluable perspective and experience to Red Havas’ public affairs offering.
“Diversity of thought is critical to finding innovative solutions to the challenges our clients face. With Jacqui on board, we bridge the political divide, bringing creativity and new ideas to the public discussion,” he said.
Munro also shared her excitement for the new role and the chance to use her expertise to help clients build and manage long-term stakeholder relationships and effectively navigate public affairs and debate policy.
“Developing a new public affairs offering with Lawrence and Red Havas presents the best of both worlds: The excitement of a fresh venture with limitless possibilities backed in by the strength of a respected industry player and a huge amount of talent to draw on,” she said.
“Starting in an Australian federal election year also brings a range of unique opportunities that we can maximise with our clients as the team grows,” she added.