William Roberts
Wahroonga,NSW
Summary
Proactive and achievement-oriented media and communications specialist bringing over 15 years of leadership experience with special emphasis helping clientele in a broad range of industries and sectors.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Business Director
Cannings Strategic Communications
11.2023 - Current
- Successfully ran the business for 8 months while our CEO was on maternity leave.
- Managed members of the team to maximize attainment of their career development as well as company objectives.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Increased company revenue by implementing strategic business development plans and fostering key partnerships.
- Oversaw adequacy and soundness of organization's financial structure.
- Improved operational efficiency through streamlining processes, optimizing resource allocation, and implementing best practices.
- Mentored junior staff members, cultivating a positive work environment that fostered productivity and teamwork.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
Director
Cannings Strategic Communications
07.2021 - 11.2023
- Helped rebuild the business after spate of senior departures
- This included recruiting and training people who were new to consulting; securing clients that had lost their main point of contact at Cannings; and attracting new clients to the business
- Along with prior responsibilities acquires, develops, and grows accounts; is a leader in building and delivering business; and manages human and financial resources for Cannings Strategic Communications
- Responsible for running and managing some of Cannings’ most high-profile and lucrative clients
- This includes advising a high profile “neobank” since its inception 5 years ago, as the company has transformed from a start-up to the first fully licensed bank to list on the ASX in over 25 years
- Manages members of the team to maximize attainment of their career development as well as company objectives.
Associate Director (prior: Senior Consultant)
Cannings Strategic Communications
12.2017 - 07.2021
- Work with clients across a variety of industries and sectors on their public affairs, issues and crisis management, stakeholder engagement, and corporate communications
- Responsible for providing strategic advice on sensitive media issues, as well as providing crisis plans and crisis simulation training
- Devised and led an award-winning national media campaign to protect Luna Park from an adverse court ruling, which leveraged the support the of Pink! and Katy Perry, created a tide of public support, that ultimately persuaded the NSW State Government to intervene and save the Park.
Public Affairs Manager
The Australian Beverages Council Ltd (ABCL)
10.2016 - 11.2017
- Managed all public, corporate and government engagements and programs
- Establishing key government and stakeholder relationships to ensure consideration of the ABCL’s position and policies on areas affecting the beverage industry
- Promoted ABCL’s policies, strategies and campaigns across stakeholders and relevant government representatives
- Co-ordinated corporate communications, media and internal communications for our members and stakeholders.
Senior Media Adviser
Office of Russell Matheson MP
12.2014 - 07.2016
- Planned and directed all strategic and media communications activities for the office
- Developed and implemented an overarching media strategy and communications plan in the lead-up, and throughout, the 2016 Federal Election
- Provided analysis and advice on government legislation and political and media issues
- Wrote speeches for parliament and community events.
Media Adviser
Office of the Hon. Craig Laundy MP
11.2013 - 12.2014
- Managed written communications including media releases, editorials, newsletters, social media and print advertising
- Prepared the Member for interviews and media events
- Liaised with ministerial offices, committees, stakeholders and constituents on behalf of the Member.
Campaign Staffer
Office of Russell Matheson MP
05.2013 - 10.2013
- Contracted to assist with the 2013 election campaign for Russell Matheson, who was successful in regaining the Federal seat of Macarthur
- Liaised with local, state and federal government departments
- Provided responses and briefings to media enquiries and community events
- Promoted the policies of the Liberal Party through community engagement.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) -
University of Sydney
Master of Media Practice (MMPrac.) -
University of Sydney
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - English LiteraturePhilosophy
University of Sydney
Charterhouse School
Godalming, SurreySkills
- Crisis and Issues Management
- Media relations and public affairs
- Government Relations
- Revenue Forecasting
- Strategic Planning
- Business Growth Initiatives
- Management Team Building
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 01/23/82
Awards
- 2022, PRIA Golden Target Awards “Gold” National Winner for Best Financial Communications Campaign (“Abercrombie shareholders activist campaign”)
- 2022, PRIA Golden Target Awards “Silver” National Winner for Best Financial Communications Campaign (“Floating Australia’s first bank in 30 years”)
- 2020, PRIA Golden Target Awards National Finalist for Best Financial Communications Campaign (“Launching a fintech unicorn with Judo Bank”)
- 2019, PRIA Golden Target Awards Winner for Best Crisis Management Campaign (NSW) (“#SaveLunaPark campaign”)
- 2014, International Association of Literary Journalism Studies Best Research Paper
- 2010, Sydney University Football Club David Shaw Service Award
- 2009, Football NSW Club Person of the Year, Sydney University Football Club
- 2007, Australian Press Council Prize
References
- Luis M. Garcia, Former CEO of Cannings Strategic Communications, Contact details upon request
- Russell Matheson, Former Federal Member for Macarthur, Contact details upon request
Hobbies and Interests
- Professional Development: AICD Company Directors Course, CEDA Copland Leadership Program
- Photography: Australian Centre for Photography, Camera Craft 1 & 2
- Soccer Coaching: Sydney University Reserves - Assistant Coach, Schofield Scorpions FC - Assistant Coach, Locomotive Cove FC - Head Coach (Men’s Division 1)
Timeline
Senior Business Director
Cannings Strategic Communications
11.2023 - Current
Director
Cannings Strategic Communications
07.2021 - 11.2023
Associate Director (prior: Senior Consultant)
Cannings Strategic Communications
12.2017 - 07.2021
Public Affairs Manager
The Australian Beverages Council Ltd (ABCL)
10.2016 - 11.2017
Senior Media Adviser
Office of Russell Matheson MP
12.2014 - 07.2016
Media Adviser
Office of the Hon. Craig Laundy MP
11.2013 - 12.2014
Campaign Staffer
Office of Russell Matheson MP
05.2013 - 10.2013
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) -
University of Sydney
Master of Media Practice (MMPrac.) -
University of Sydney
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - English LiteraturePhilosophy
University of Sydney
Charterhouse School
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