People

With 20 years in the communications industry, Adelle has been trusted to evolve, promote and protect the brands and reputations of some of New Zealand’s most influential organisations. Her strength is understanding how brands, consumers, business, Government and communities interact – taking a creative, integrated approach across earned, owned and paid channels. Her diverse experience spans New Zealand, the UK and the US across sectors including building and infrastructure, ICT, FMCG, financial services, professional services and health & wellbeing. Adelle understands how to connect communications activity with clients’ commercial drivers and has extensive corporate and marketing communications capability including business advice, strategy, developing narratives & story-telling, issues & crisis management, capital markets, stakeholder & influencer engagement, brand campaigns, internal communications and media training.

Keith is an independent director with 14 years of Governance experience and substantial experience in the technology and engineering sectors. He has over 20 years’ experience in senior VP and executive roles, including positions with Hewlett Packard in North America, Asia and New Zealand. He was Managing Director of Hewlett Packard, New Zealand from 2004 to 2016. 

Keith is currently Chair of the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) and Independent Director of Rakon Limited, Counties Power Limited and ECL Group Limited.

He has previously chaired Opus International Consultants Limited and is a past board member of the New Zealand Technology Industry Association (NZTech) and the University of Auckland Business School.

He is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand 

Michael is the chairman of Acumen, and has been in the business for 25 years. Michael consults for clients in technology and ICT, financial services, professional services, health, entertainment, transport, and FMCG. He specialises in stakeholder reputation management. Prior to joining Acumen he was a journalist, strategic planner, sales manager, general manager, a CEO and a company director in radio and television broadcasting and pay television in New Zealand and Asia.

Victoria Spackman ONZM is an independent director based in Wellington. She is Chair of high-growth trans-Tasman technology company Ackama Group and was an establishing Co-Chair of Toi Mai Workforce Development Council. Other governance and advisory roles over the years have included with NZTE, CDC Pharmaceuticals, Uno Loco, Hula, and Thankyou Payroll. She is also an owner-director of visitor experience design and screen production company Gibson International and serves on the board of the Katherine Mansfield House and Garden.

Victoria was Chief Executive of Gibson International both before and after she led a management buyout of that business, and was the first executive director of Whitirea and WelTech’s Te Auaha School of Creativity in Wellington.

Holding degrees and graduate qualifications across theatre, film, law, management and linguistics, in 2012 she was awarded the prestigious Private Sector In-House Lawyer of the Year Award by the New Zealand Law Society to recognise her contribution to the profession and to Gibson International. Victoria won the Arts and Culture category at the New Zealand Women of Influence Awards in 2015 and in June 2016 was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to theatre, film and television in the Queen's 90th Birthday Honours List.

With almost 10 years marketing and corporate communications experience in New Zealand, the UK and Europe, Alysha has strong commercial nous and a strategic problem-solving attitude. A digital native, Alysha is skilled at delivering integrated, content-led PR programmes aimed at building trust in brands and business. She has responsibility for leading client relationships and has a proven track record for running highly successful, insight-driven communications campaigns across diverse sectors including technology, FMCG, health, professional services and not-for-profit.

Bronwyn has 20 years experience, providing business advice, marketing and corporate communications to help clients solve problems or create opportunities. She helps clients to look at things differently and to communicate and build trusting relationships. Bronwyn has extensive experience in investor relations. She is also a specialist in integrated thinking and reporting, providing advice to some of the world’s leading organisations in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Bronwyn works with clients to understand their sustainability risks and opportunities, and helps them to develop strategies and communicate to stakeholders. Bronwyn has extensive experience across a range of disciplines, including strategy, developing narratives & story-telling, issues & crisis management, capital markets, stakeholder & influencer engagement, creative brand campaigns, and internal communications. She works closely with the creative team and has a strong understanding of digital and traditional platforms.

Kirsten is a senior practitioner with 20 years’ experience in the communications industry. She has worked across the corporate and marketing communications spectrum and has diverse sector experience. Kirsten has worked extensively in technology sector having led the New Zealand communications functions for two global technology companies and advised a number of other local and international technology clients. She also has significant experience of the building, insurance and retail sectors. She is adept at partnering with large, complex organisations and has a proven track record of delivering genuine business outcomes for clients and their brands. Kirsten is highly skilled at communications strategy and planning, brand communications, corporate communications, change and employee communications, issues management and senior executive communications.

Jamie has over 10 years communications experience having created and executed in-sights driven campaigns across New Zealand, the UK and Europe. During his career he’s covered a number of disciplines including corporate PR, consumer PR, B2B PR, marketing and content creation. Based in Auckland, Jamie has worked with some of the world’s largest tech companies on integrated campaigns that cover activations, product launches, messaging development and media relations. He also specialises in financial services having worked in-house for four years. As well as having a natural knack for story-telling. Jamie is passionate about helping organisations better understand how a cleverly thought-out content strategy can drive lead-generation, build trust and increase brand advocacy.

Desmond has 10 years’ experience in New Zealand and the UK managing the consumer PR activity for some of the world’s leading brands. Creative and a natural storyteller, Desmond understands what works across earned, owned and paid channels to drive awareness, engagement and brand love. He leads integrated campaigns underpinned by insights around consumer behaviours, market dynamics and societal trends to help drive commercial outcomes. Desmond’s experience includes ideas generation, product launches and promotions, proactive PR and media relations, content creation, integrated campaign and agency management. He also understands the power of authentic influencers and brings a broad range of contacts.

Andrea is a former journalist for The Aucklander and The New Zealand Herald. Working across news, local government, profiles and feature writing, Andrea has strong media networks, a nose for a story and is adept at developing compelling, rich content across multiple channels. She also has experience in publishing, retail, information management. Andrea worked for Auckland Council during its amalgamation period and is the author of two crime novels published by Random House.

Alex has over 10 years experience as a graphic designer and finished artist working in a variety of advertising agencies and media companies. Starting his career in newspaper editorial design, Alex then moved on to digital design and retail design for high profile New Zealand & Australian clients. Outside of design Alex also enjoys illustration and painting, commissioning his services as a freelancer for a variety of clients.

Ellen brings a background across many facets of communications, including both consultancy and in-house, specialising in tech, not-for-profit and sustainability projects. Driven by storytelling, Ellen thrives on crafting compelling narratives and identifying opportunities to elevate client stories and build reputation. As well as stints in digital publishing and media accessibility, Ellen holds a Bachelor of Communications Studies in Journalism and Public Relations.

Emily has a strong focus on politics and sustainability. She has experience in research and policy analysis, media relations, social media, and media monitoring. Attaining a Bachelor of Science, with a major in Politics and Environmental Studies, Emily uses this perspective to inform communication strategies and shape her storytelling.  

Emily works with our clients in the building and construction, telecommunications, and education sectors.

As a former Senior Political Advisor to Cabinet Ministers and direct from the Beehive, Esther specialises in government relations, media and public policy. With over 8 years’ experience on the parliamentary precinct she has extensive experience as a communications and advisory professional working with media, politicians, senior government officials and business. As a highly skilled advisor, problem solver and risk manager Esther knows how to handle a crisis and effectively engage with government and media.

With a fresh and creative perspective, Greta challenges communication strategies with her out of the box thinking. Greta’s experience includes work in the FMCG and construction sectors, alongside work with charity and humanitarian organisations. Greta has specialist experience in social media content creation, media relations, and research analysis. Greta holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in psychology, with a double minor in communications and marketing, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from the University of Otago.

Keeley takes a creative approach to solving client problems. She works with corporate and consumer clients across a range of sectors including technology, retail, professional services and aviation. With experience in media relations, social media, and creative advertising, Keeley is a people-orientated and relationship driven consultant focused on telling her client stories in fresh and original ways. Keeley joined the Acumen team after completing a Bachelor of Communications degree, with a double major in Public Relations and Advertising & Brand Creativity.

Marissa is an experienced marketing communications professional with agency and in-house experience. Having worked with well-known brands across tourism, FMCG, lifestyle and retail sectors, Marissa has a sound understanding of the ever-changing landscape that businesses operate in. She has an eye for detail and loves a to-do list which has made her instrumental in successfully running major launches, consumer media relations activity, events and activations, and influencer marketing programmes.

Matt has a background in Accounting and Marketing, with over 10 years of experience in an accounting and analytics roles. He has worked in various industries such as Manufacturing, Distribution, and Not-for-profits, spanning regions like America, UK, and Australia.

In his role, Matt provides support across Finance, IT, and Operations, assisting our consultants in delivering high-quality work to our clients.

Maxine is an experienced integrated communications specialist, working for agencies in both New York and London. Skilled in creating engaging stories, Maxine has a breadth of knowledge in brand and corporate communications, media relations, influencer strategy and issues management. With her finger on the pulse, Maxine keeps up-to-date with the ever-changing media environment to deliver impactful results. Having a diverse background in accounting and finance, design and applied science, Maxine approaches her work with a unique perspective. Maxine’s enthusiasm and interpersonal skills allow her to build strong relationships with both media and her clients.

With her fresh and creative perspective on the communication sector, Piper is passionate about helping her clients achieve great results. After joining the Acumen team in 2021 as an Account Assistant, she has gained considerable experience supporting clients with all their communication needs. Piper has specialist experience in media relations, media monitoring, social media, and research analysis. Holding a Bachelor of Communications, with a major in Public Relations, and a double minor in Advertising and Brand Creativity and Communication for Social Change, she aims to use her knowledge to create impactful work.

Prue has over 25 years’ experience in operational management and senior leadership in corporate environments in New Zealand and the UK.

Prue has a passion for building and nurturing strong teams and individuals, and is responsible for learning & development and culture at Acumen. Prue is also responsible for ensuring that staff in Wellington and Auckland are provided with the best office environments to enable them to deliver excellence for our clients.

Reilly is an exceptional storyteller, and his writing has been published in a range of top tier NZ media, including Metro and the Spinoff. Reilly is constantly coming up with ways to share clients’ stories in creative ways and he uses his strong understanding of the local media environment, great contacts and relationships to make sure those stories get seen by the right people. Passionate about content, Reilly produces his own online newsletter called Clipboard, focusing on Auckland life and fashion. ​Reilly joined the Acumen team after graduating with a double degree in Communications and Law (with First Class Honours).

With a background and passion for marketing communications, Renee helps her clients share their stories authentically with their audience. Her experience includes media relations, content development, campaign management and event management.

Robert joined Acumen in September 2024 as Head of Finance & Operations and is responsible for all the financial, commercial, technology, property, HR and administration functions for Acumen nationally. Robert is a Chartered Accountant with over a decade of experience across a broad range of sectors, including the Professional Services Sector, the Corporate Sector, privately held businesses, and the Education Sector. Robert is also a Certified Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Finance Professionals, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting, Commercial Law, and Taxation.

Sam is a driven consultant with a passion for storytelling to create meaningful connections between brands and their audiences. Since joining the team in 2023, he has gained valuable experience supporting a diversity of clients across sectors. From media relations, marketing communications, content, social media, and market research, Sam blends analytical insight with creative ideas to support the execution of outcomes-focused campaigns. He holds double degrees in Communications and Business, double majoring in Public Relations and Marketing.

Sam is a former broadcast journalist, turned communications specialist. Most recently, he has worked at the Beehive as a Press Secretary for two senior Cabinet ministers. Sam maintains strong media networks, has a sharp news sense and an intricate understanding of how Government works at a departmental and executive level.

Simon excels at building and maintaining relationships with clients, thanks to his keen eye for detail and passion for communication.

Simon is a strong writer and content developer who works constructively with media contacts.

He also particularly enjoys project management and oversight, prioritising account needs to ensure the team are clear on deliverables and outcomes.

Simon’s experience is across the corporate and consumer sectors from previous roles, along with a Bachelor of Communications degree in Public Relations and Advertising & Brand Creativity.