Independent communication agency Horizon Communication Group (Horizon) has announced the appointment of Cathy Osmond (lead image) to the new role of associate director, media & content
Osmond joins Horizon after more than 30 years in journalism, working primarily on News Corp’s major metropolitan newspapers in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. In more than two decades at The Australian, she served in senior roles ranging from Foreign News Editor to Review Editor and most recently Deputy Editor and Lifestyle Editor of The Weekend Australian Magazine.
“I’m proud to be joining the dynamic team at Horizon, an agency dedicated to working with clients that want to make the world a better place,” said Osmond. “With its new division green Horizon, the agency is bringing its deep experience in sustainability and social impact to the fore at a time of unprecedented challenges – and opportunities – for business, government, community and advocacy groups. It’s a particularly exciting time to be coming on board.”
Green Horizon builds on the agency’s 30 years’ experience in the sustainability space, with campaigns spanning sustainable packaging, recycling education, renewable energy, international aid, food waste and child protection. Under the leadership of Head of Sustainability Alice Johnson, the division’s mandate is to help people, projects and brands work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and make a tangible difference to the planet.
The dedicated division is further strengthened by Horizon’s appointment of public relations industry leader Preya McMahon to the role of head of integrated growth and development. McMahon, who previously owned and ran one of Australia’s leading consumer agencies, Zing Communications, brings a wealth of experience to the agency and will lead business development.
“After taking a three-year break from agency life to pursue other interests it was going to take something with substance and purpose to get me back into comms,” McMahon said. “Horizon are experts in sustainability, particularly at the government and regulatory level, and I want to use my experience in consumer-facing projects to bring that conversation to new clients and audiences.”
Justin Flaherty, CEO, Horizon Communication Group, added: “At Horizon we work on the work that matters, and Cathy and Preya’s deep experience, creative minds and industry connections make them the perfect fit to help us take the agency to the next level.”
Green Horizon is working with one of Australia’s most trusted environmental organisations, Planet Ark. Rebecca Gilling, Planet Ark, co-CEO and executive director commented: “We’ve worked with Horizon on sustainability communications for many years with great success. Green Horizon is a natural offshoot for this creative and entrepreneurial team and is set to flourish under Alice’s able leadership.”
