Kicker Communications, the strategic communications consultancy for innovators and industry leaders, has announced the appointment of Stephanie Ryan as Client Director.
Ryan brings more than two decades of experience to the newly created role, with a career spanning technology, consumer, and lifestyle sectors.
She has held senior communications roles at Intel Australia and New Zealand and Medtronic, and led numerous high-profile product launches and events throughout her career.
At Kicker, Ryan will develop and execute strategic PR campaigns, provide counsel to senior executives, and help drive business growth.
“Joining Kicker is a brilliant opportunity to be part of a team working with clients at the forefront of new technologies and solutions and to help ensure their stories continue to make headlines,” Ryan said.
Internship pathway
Also joining the consultancy are Christopher Kane and Alexandra Rutter, both of whom have transitioned from Kicker’s long-running paid internship program into full-time Consultant roles.
Kane, a University of Sydney graduate with degrees in commerce, politics, and marketing, previously contributed to Honi Soit and served as Executive Events Director at the Sydney University Radio Group.
Rutter, a University of South Australia graduate with a background in art and languages, has experience managing social media for MARLII LAB, USASA, and communications for MOSAIC Adelaide’s multicultural festival.
“Supporting Kicker’s tech and startup clients through the internship program has been an incredible learning opportunity,” said Kane. “It’s great to join the team full-time to further develop my skills in strategic storytelling and media relations.”
“I’m proud to join Kicker and continue my keen interest in communications, applying my art and writing background to my work,” added Rutter.
“The internship program has not only been a huge learning experience, but it has focused my strengths and interests towards a career in PR and communications.”
Built on Innovation
The appointments follow as Kicker celebrates a wave of major client wins, reflecting its growing influence in the technology and innovation sectors.
The agency has recently added a global leader in AI-driven data management and enterprise cloud applications, the world’s largest Out-of-Home media company JCDecaux, Australia’s leading deep-tech incubator Cicada Innovations, national whole-body MRI provider OneMRI, and heavy-vehicle fleet maintenance specialist TRUCK TECH to its expanding client roster.
Kicker co-founder Fran Foo said the appointments and client growth underscore the consultancy’s momentum in the innovation and technology sectors.
“It’s great to have someone of Stephanie’s calibre join us at a time when we’re enjoying strong growth with multiple new and exciting clients,” Foo said.
“She has excellent media relationships along with extensive global experience, which is ideal for our portfolio.
“Having Chris and Alexandra to strengthen the team is another win – they have both been outstanding as interns, and we look forward to helping them progress their careers as future communications leaders,” Foo said.