Consultant Profiles

     

John Morton, Managing Director

John is one of the most experienced public relations consultants in Australia. He combines a deep understanding of Australia’s corporate and social environments with a proven ability to design and deliver complex, multi-stakeholder communications programs.
Prior to forming Ethical Strategies John managed the largest public relations consultancy in Australia, where he consulted to the likes of Telstra, MasterCard, McDonald’s, Oracle, AstraZeneca and Merck Sharp & Dohme.
 
Since forming Ethical Strategies in early 2007 John has advised on and delivered brand strategy, corporate messaging, media relations, internal communications, issues management and government relations for clients across the healthcare, financial services, FMCG, manufacturing and not-for-profit sectors.
 
He is a dynamic strategist who thrives on communications challenges that align with clear business imperatives. Like the rest of the team at Ethical Strategies John strongly believes that even the most well thought through strategy is redundant without creative and impactful implementation. 
                        

Jay Pleass, Account Director

As a former Political and Media Adviser in both Federal and State politics, Jay has a deep understanding of the machinations of Australian politics, the media and strategic communications. He is an experienced Adviser, having worked for a variety of Ministers and Members of Parliament. He has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Tasmania, majoring in both Economics and Marketing.
 
Prior to joining Ethical Strategies, Jay was employed by the Tasmanian State Opposition. Before that, Jay was an Adviser to the then Federal Minister Assisting the Minister of Defence and the Federal Minister for Small Business and Tourism. In these roles, Jay has developed and managed a variety of media issues, liaised with key political journalists, and advised on a broad range of portfolios. 
 
Jay is a tested performer in terms of media and industry relations and is known for his strategic approach to the development and implementation of communications programs.
                     

Trevor Watson, Account Director

Trevor is one of the most experienced media advisers in Australia. Following a 25 year career as a journalist, foreign correspondent and producer for the ABC, Trevor has spent the past decade advising clients on campaign messaging, media relations, and issues and crisis management.
 
He possesses a deep understanding of the news agenda in Australia and across Asia-Pacific and is well versed in formulating and delivering communications strategies that integrate traditional and new media channels.
 
Trevor is also a highly credentialed and experienced media trainer and has produced both audio and video programs for a range of Australian and international organisations.
                   

Mairead McLaughlin, Account Manager

Mairead has a solid understanding of the news environment. She has worked for private, government and not-for-profit organisations both in Australia and overseas, where she executed a variety of community awareness projects in areas such as breast cancer, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
 
Mairead has managed both ethical pharmaceutical and OTC product launches and PBS listings and has a talent for communicating the results and implications of complex medical studies to both consumer and medical audiences.
 
A critical part of her success has been her ability to build trusted relationships with journalists and leading health experts and stakeholders.

Prior to joining Ethical Strategies, Mairead worked at a leading public relations consultancy for a number of years and has also worked at BreastScreen NSW and The National Blood Bank in London.
                              

Rebecca Anable, Account Manager

Rebecca’s experience is far beyond her years. Since graduating with a communication degree in 2004 she has worked on a variety of major projects with a number of corporate and not-for-profit organisations. She has played a hands-on role in community awareness campaigns about alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease and managed media outreach for a range of key announcements and medical studies. She has also managed elements of internal communication for clients.
 
Rebecca has a penchant for success and an eye for detail. She is adept at identifying and drawing out the newsworthy elements of situations and stories and is highly adept at researching and monitoring local and international media developments. Rebecca’s research skills are second to none, skills she has put to good use in developing complex information kits on a range of issues for a variety of media outlets.
 
Rebecca has a strong understanding of the Australian media landscape and has developed a robust and extensive network of media contacts. Rebecca’s professionalism and energetic personality make her a valuable asset on the projects she is involved in.

 		      

Juliet Fisher, Account Manager

A highly accomplished PR consultant with particular expertise in the B2B sector, Juliet brings with her a wealth of international experience.
 
Beginning her PR career in London, her wide-ranging responsibilities encompassed devising and implementing media campaigns and organising numerous events from international business forums to charity auctions.  Since arriving in Australia in 2006, Juliet has been working with a mixture of industrial and lifestyle brands, developing strategic communications campaigns, incorporating internal and external stakeholder communication, issues and crisis management, and forging relationships with a broad spectrum of the media.
 
Juliet’s comprehensive experience and strategic outlook ensure a thorough and creative approach to every task she undertakes.
                      

Houry Mayissian, Senior Consultant

Houry Mayissian has several years of communications experience both as a writer and a public relations consultant. In the United Arab Emirates, Houry worked on several large projects and events in the entertainment and finance sectors, focusing on media relations and copywriting for clients. Houry has also worked in the education sector with a leading regional university in Beirut.
 
Houry obtained her BA in Communication Arts in 2005. She completed her Master of Philosophy in European Politics and Society from Oxford University in 2008. Houry has also had journalism experience in the United States.
                       

Alex Bolton, Senior Consultant

Alex joined the Ethical Strategies team in 2011 after making the move to Sydney from the UK.

Alex’s public relations career began in London at one of the UK’s leading charities dealing with youth homelessness. She gained wide experience of the full spectrum of public relations activities where her thorough and professional approach were put to excellent use in media relations, online content creation and event support and coordination. Her compassionate and approachable manner were essentials while working closely with clients with complex support needs to effectively increase understanding and awareness of the issues surrounding homelessness.

As a focussed individual and committed team player, attention to detail and energy are applied to every task Alex undertakes.
     

Stacey Pinchbeck, Senior Consultant

Stacey graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2009 with double Bachelor Degrees in Public Relations and Electronic Media and Film. Stacey recently returned to Australia after spending five years in the United States where she attended University on a full-tennis scholarship.

Stacey is a valued addition to the Ethical Strategies team, bringing with her experience in not-for-profit public relations, event management and media liaison.
 
Her academic and professional achievements are indicative of her penchant for success, creativity and teamwork.