SKMG appoints Tess O’Brien to lead new property portfolio

Strategic communications consultancy SKMG has announced the appointment of Tess O’Brien as Group Account Director, marking the launch of a dedicated property and built environment portfolio.

O’Brien joins SKMG with over 14 years of international experience across Sydney, New York and London, where she has led communications for major developments and global real estate brands.

Her portfolio includes work for Sotheby’s International Realty, JLL, DeSimone Consulting Engineers, London Square, and Zaha Hadid Architects, among others.

The new portfolio expands SKMG’s service offering beyond its core expertise in media, marketing, technology, entertainment, and executive reputation. The property portfolio will focus on architecture, development, and urban innovation, reflecting growing demand for sophisticated stakeholder engagement and reputation strategies in the sector.

“Tess is a force,” said Andrew Knowles, co-founder of SKMG. “We are delighted to have her join the team and look forward to the next chapter of SKMG, bringing our thinking and execution to developers, architects, real estate brands and the broader built environment sector.”

Neil Shoebridge, SKMG co-founder, added: “Tess’s appointment is a big statement of intent. She brings new depth, experience and skills to the team and will be central to unlocking a new era of growth for the business.”

Commenting on her new role, O’Brien said: “There’s so much opportunity in the APAC property space for smarter, sharper communication. From major public developments to future-focused engineering and design, property stories touch all of us. SKMG has a unique ability to cut through noise with work that’s strategic and effective. I’m thrilled to be part of what’s next.”

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