Consultancy firm 89 Degrees East today announced former Prime Ministerial Chief of Staff and Coles Express Chief Executive Alister Jordan has acquired 50 per cent of the business and will continue on as Chief Executive Officer.
Jordan now leads a team of 30 across Australia with clients including Diageo, Afterpay, DrinkWise, Uber, Arnott’s, Department of Health and Specsavers.
The agency, which focuses on data, strategy and communications, believes the investment and change in the ownership structure will allow the company to accelerate growth by offering a strong alternative to major consultancy firms.
Prior to joining 89 Degrees East Alister spent nearly a decade at Wesfarmers and Coles Group in a number of senior roles including, Chief Executive of Coles Express and Chief Executive of Coles Online. Prior to moving to the corporate sector Alister spent nine years working in the Federal Parliament and between 2008 and 2010 he was Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Rudd.
He is currently Chair of UK HR tech company howamigoing.
“The needs of companies and governments are changing rapidly, creating considerable market opportunity for agile firms with deep subject matter expertise and functional breadth that can partner to deliver successful outcomes,” Alister said.
“89 Degrees East has built an impressive client base over the past decade and I look forward to working with the team to expand the customer offer,” he added.
Founder and co-owner of 89 Degrees East Annie O’Rourke started the business twelve years ago from the idyllic New South Wales far north coast.
“From a one person show in the Bangalow Hills in 2009, 89 Degrees East has grown into a company with national reach and a capability to support our customers which I am really proud of.
“I’m really excited that this partnership provides us the opportunity to take the next big step, with the investment and leadership to grow our commercial offering,” said O’Rourke.
