Anacta, the full service public affairs firm, has appointed David Brain as Chair.
The advertising and communications strategist brings a strong track record in global agency leadership, digital innovation, and strategic communications. He was previously a supervisory main board member of PR firm Edelman and CEO of both its European and Asia Pacific businesses.
He was key to the scaling of Edelman’s operations across diverse markets and was a driving force behind its evolution into an integrated, data-informed communications powerhouse.
More recently, Brain co-founded Stickybeak, the online consumer testing platform that disrupts traditional polling by making research faster and more affordable for communication and marketing teams used by major brands, agencies media and advocacy clients across Australasia and the UK.
“David’s appointment reflects Anacta’s focus on combining world-class research, campaign strategy, and progressive values,” said Anacta Holdings co-founder Evan Moorhead.
“He’s an innovator with deep global experience and a sharp instinct for what drives opinion and behaviour. His leadership will be invaluable as we expand our reach and impact.”
Anacta, launched in 2019, is known for delivering successful campaigns for clients in the political, corporate, and community sectors. The agency’s directors of the firms provided high-impact research, message development and strategic advice to election campaigns in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, most recently contributing to Labor’s historic victory in the 2025 federal election in Australia.
With offices in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and a partnership with leading research firm Talbot Mills Research (known as Anacta Research in the UK), Anacta offers a highly effective model that blends research expertise, strategic communications nous, and frontline political experience. The firm’s recent work spans government advocacy, social impact initiatives, and corporate positioning strategies.
“There are many research providers out there, but few that win like Anacata wins by bringing data, insight and strategy to CEO’s, Prime Ministers and want-to-be Prime Ministers.” said Brain.
“I’m looking forward to helping them grow and develop their business and brilliant teams.
Brain is a Chartered Member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and is also on the boards of ASX listed Enero, an international network of marketing and communications businesses, as well as New Zealand digital media company The Spinoff and charity Share My Super and is a founder investor and past Chair of global SaaS business Parkable.