Howatson+Co appoint Ben Handberg as head of PR

Howatson+Co has announced the appointment of Ben Handberg as head of PR.

Handberg joins the agency after spending five years at Mango Communications. He was head of consumer for three years and group account director for two years prior.

Among the clients he worked with include Unilever, McDonald’s, Volkswagen, J&J, Amazon, Proximo Spirits and Ferrero. Handberg has also led PR for Foxtel's Grave of Thrones and The Burnt Christmas Tree for the Australian Red Cross.

His work also includes releasing an autobiography for Bubble O’Bill called 'O is Me', launching Afar fragrance for 1800 Tequila, and projecting a Big Mac onto Sydney Tower.

And over the years Handberg's creativity has been recognised by Cannes, Effies, Spikes, and AWARD award shows.

Chris Howatson, founder and CEO of Howatson+Co, said: "PR is a communications practice that has evolved enormously over the last decade – publishers, platforms, bloggers, influencers, ambassadors – the opportunity to earn influence is everywhere. We’re delighted to welcome Ben to our team. He is a modern PR leader built from equal parts creative and publicist."

Handberg said of his appointment: "Howatson+Company’s rapid trajectory is super impressive, and this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

"Their work is great, their people brilliant and lovely, and their approach fresh and compelling. I’m stoked to join the team, grow its PR capability and help deliver great results for their clients," he added.

This comes after Howatson+Co recently announced the appointment of Dom Hickey as chief strategy officer, earlier this month.

Hickey was previously head of planning at DDB, working across Westpac, J&J, Coles, Unilever and Domain. She was also worked at CX Lavender as planning director and at Wunderman as head of planning.

Last month, the agency also announced the Richard Shaw and Jeremy Hogg joined the company, both as executive creative directors, after leaving CHEP Network.