Health PR Agency Palin Communications Appoints First CEO

Sport women celebrating with arms raised. She is exercising at sunset or sunrise and is back lit. City of Sydney in the background. She looks happy and has a sense of achievement.

Sydney-based health PR agency Palin Communications has announced several developments among its senior team, including the appointment of its first ever Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Karina Durham, who has been the agency’s general manager for over two years, has now been promoted to CEO.

The latest developments at Palin Communications follow the agency’s continued strong commercial performance and high demand in the specialised health communications space.

Managing director and co-founder of Palin Communications, Martin Palin, said he was delighted at Karina’s progress and continued impact on the business.

“So much of what Palin Communications has become in recent years has been driven by the energetic leadership of Karina. The culture, people, client service and day-to-day experience of the talented folk who work here are largely a function of Karina’s vision for this agency. This promotion recognises Karina’s executive level influence on the business and her development as an industry leader in the Australian communications sector,” said Martin.

Senior management team members Maya Ivanovic and Joni Thomes also see their positions elevated and sharpened. Maya Ivanovic takes on the newly created position of Associate Director: Client Services with a strong focus on innovation and program outcomes. Joni Thomes will play a key role in recruitment, human resources and staff development in her new position as Associate Director: People and Culture.

Rising star and co-chair of the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) Young Guns committee, Anastasiia Nazarenko, also makes the transition to Senior Account Manager following her lead role in a string of successful, high-profile campaigns and launches.

“Everyone on the team here wants this to be an agency where people can shine, learn and – most importantly – progress. We’re seeing that now and it certainly sets us up for a very exciting future,” said Martin.

Karina Durham says she will continue to lead in her own unique way as the agency’s inaugural CEO.

“I believe it is possible to be a successful leader while also being kind and caring – and my role at the agency has proven that over the years. I’m pleased at my own career progress and all the lessons that have come along the way. My longevity, commitment and determination to learn from the ground up has set me up well to take on a role like this,” said Karina.

“I will continue to be extremely focused on lifting the people around me, advocating for their progression and celebrating their success. Part of my job is to pave the way for others. I have the best team in the world, so they’re making that pretty easy to do.”

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