SINGAPORE — Sandpiper has appointed Saskia Kendall to head of public affairs for Asia-Pacific. In this new role, Kendall (pictured) will be responsible for a senior and specialist public affairs team, and work with clients in sectors including energy, financial service, healthcare and technology. First joining Sandpiper in 2019, Kendall previously assisted with the firm’s healthcare and public affairs offerings, further growing their clientele.

SINGAPORE — Penta Group has appointed Deborah Giam as the new managing director for Singapore. With a background in strategic communications, public affairs and stakeholder engagement, Giam will drive growth and ensure client service in the region. Having previously held the position of client services director at Zeno Singapore, she has led high-profile campaigns across diverse industries, including corporate, finance, healthcare, and technology. In her new role, Giam will lead strategic initiatives and oversee a team focused on delivering innovative communication and stakeholder solutions.

SYDNEY — The Australian Food & Grocery Council (AFGC) has selected Thrive PR + Communications as their exclusive PR, content and digital agency. The appointment aims to generate awareness and support for the National Plastics Recycling Scheme (NPRS), an industry-led initiative focused on recycling hard-to-recycle soft plastic packaging and transforming it into recycled food-grade packaging. Thrive will provide a comprehensive range of integrated communication services to the AFGC, including corporate and industry communications, consumer brand storytelling, stakeholder engagement, content development and government relations. This collaboration will assist the NPRS in its expansion efforts.

MELBOURNE — Icon Agency has promoted within its senior leadership team. David Radestock has been elevated to the newly created role of executive director of communications, where he will oversee the agency's tech-focused clients including Slack, Salesforce and Schneider Electric. Radestock brings experience from working with brands such as Microsoft, American Express and Lenovo. Additionally, Carly Vale has been promoted to the position of business operations director. Vale, who joined Icon in 2022, will collaborate closely with agency leadership to drive transformative changes and enhance operational efficiency.