Kate Alexander: Director

Kate is founder and co-owner of Alexander Communications. She brings a strong finance, consumer and property public relations skills to the marketplace, propelled by her trademark media savvy and multi-skilled team. A former South African Broadcast Corporation journalist, Kate has more than 18 years’ public relations experience in New Zealand, South Africa and the US. Kate has worked for several large, JSE-listed companies and on landmark SA projects such as the launch of the first McDonald’s and the first democratic elections. As national director of the STWS Communications – Africa’s largest PR consultancy – Kate led a team of national consultants before immigrating to New Zealand in 2001, where she held senior roles in two public relations consultancies before founding Alexander Communications in 2005. Kate is a Paul Harris Fellow for Rotary International.

Dwayne Alexander: Director

A former Chief Executive Officer of one of APN News & Media Ltd’s online companies, Dwayne Alexander is a co-owner of Alexander Communications. His special interest is the growing area of integrated online and offline PR. Online PR focusses on proactive management of online reputation, new media adoption, relationships and achieving business results. Dwayne’s corporate and media experience ensures that if you are in need of  a crisis PR plan or issues management experience, he will be able to take you calmly through a step by step program that will assist you to leverage both traditional and emerging “new” media to achieve your business objectives.

Dwayne has 19 years experience in media and marketing. He has a post graduate Honors Degree in Marketing (cum laude), writes his own blog at www.livemygoals.com and also interviews Inspired People in his www.nzherald.co.nz blog in the Business Section and on also on www.nz.lifestyle.yahoo.com . Dwayne is also a current Director of Goals Inc. which specialized in large change management, technology & new media related projects. View Dwayne’s Linkedin profile here or check out his facebook page here.

Stephanie Jones: Head of Strategy and Content

Stephanie has more than 10 years’ experience in public relations, corporate communications, journalism, magazine publishing, writing and editing.

She joined Alexander Communications in 2007 from a role as publications manager for the New Zealand Automobile Association with responsibility for four magazines in print and online. Stephanie began her career as news editor of Craccum, the student magazine of the University of Auckland, where she earned a BA (Hons) in history and literature, with first-class honours.

Stephanie is currently working with clients including AIA New Zealand, Guardian Trust, McGrathNicol and Diadem. She is a book reviewer, blogging about books on this site and doing weekly reviews on Easy Mix.

Laura Burns: Account Director

Laura joined Alexander Communications in 2007 and has a wealth of experience in the areas of profile-building, consumer relations, and business-to-business and crisis communications.

She has worked on several landmark projects for AC, including the task of supporting The Palms Shopping Centre in Christchurch through the aftermath of the February 2011 earthquake, which closed the centre for months.

Laura’s practical approach, positive attitude and natural flair for communication produces outstanding results for clients. She took an extended trip to Canada to cure her itchy feet and indulge her love of the snow, and returned to AC in 2010.

Laura currently works with clients including AMP Capital Shopping Centres, Morton Estate Wines, Guardian Trust, HELL Pizza, AMS Group and New Zealand Pops Orchestra.

Alice Tollestrup: Account Manager

Alice brings diverse experience to the Alexander Communications team. A trained journalist, her strong communication skills and attention to detail were earlier honed in her roles as a crew member onboard private superyachts and an international flight attendant.

Alice returned home to pursue a career in public relations, and is currently working with clients including AMP Capital Shopping Centres, HELL Pizza, Morton Estate Wines, and Bach Musica and NZ Pops Orchestra. She has a passion for writing and social media and is a keen blogger.

Alice holds a Bachelor of Arts in political studies from the University of Auckland, and a graduate diploma in journalism from AUT.

Delyse Diack: Account Executive

Delyse returned home after an extended OE in Edinburgh,Scotland, where her role at a PR company involved providing clients with social media and research support. The role tested her communication skills in other ways, as she regularly encountered various forms of the famed Scottish brogue, and many other accents.

She has previously worked in internal communications as a human resources professional, and in customer communications for a print and design company.

Delyse is currently working with clients including AMP Capital Shopping Centres, Konica Minolta and Pure SEO. Her interest and skills in social media have her engaging frequently with Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

She holds a Bachelor of Business Studies in communication management from Massey University.