Diversified communications group Hello Espresso has appointed Catherine Arnott as Managing Director of its independent publication InnovationAus to help grow the brand’s commercial offerings and role in the Australian media landscape.
InnovationAus reports on government policy as it affects technology-based innovation across the nation’s growth industries, including mining, agriculture, financial services, MedTech, cyber security and advanced manufacturing.
The digital publication aims to provide Australian corporate, finance and innovation sectors with news and senior insights into the public policy that underpins the strength of the local ecosystem, and to find or highlight examples of innovation excellence within Australian industry.
Catherine Arnott, who is the current Managing Director of Hello Espresso’s full-service communications consultancy Expresso Communications, will take up the same mantle to drive the day-to-day strategy across both brands.
A statement from Hello Espresso said that the change follows a significant increase in readership and traffic for InnovationAus since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our initial vision for InnovationAus was a publication that could tackle the big issues impacting the local economy – and that remains unchanged,” said Hello Espresso CEO and InnovationAus Publisher Corrie McLeod.
“Now we’re approaching six years of publishing, so we’re focused on ensuring we’re resourced to thrive.
“The dramatic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic has been very challenging for many local media outlets. Fortunately, our independent publishing model combined with the public’s renewed interest in tech and innovation has enabled us to continue growing.”
The new structure will enable McLeod to focus on the creative direction of InnovationAus’ commercial offerings and growing its role in the Australian media landscape.
“Cath’s expanded capacity will allow me to drive our already refined strategy and progress new opportunities for InnovationAus’ sponsors and partners that align with Australia’s innovation ecosystem, so we can continue to encourage action as the economy evolves.”
With more than 16 years’ experience as a PR, media, communications and marketing professional and an aptitude for operations direction, Arnott will drive more projects forward for InnovationAus as part of her expanded role.
“Corrie and the InnovationAus team have built a remarkable network comprising government, research, investment and mainstream business communities – which generates creative insights to government policy and the application of new technologies,” Arnott said.
“I look forward to converting these ideas into tangible tactics so we can continue to make a real impact on innovation across Australia’s growth industries.”
