Communications agency and advisory firm SKMG has appointed Gabrielle Dunbar as associate director of deep technology, as it launches a new division focused on helping deep tech founders take complex innovations to market.
Dunbar will lead the division, which aims to help founders and disruptors translate complex technologies into compelling narratives to attract investment, secure talent and influence policy.
She joins SKMG from London, where she was a director at specialist deep tech communications firm Commplicated. There, she worked with university spinouts and early-stage startups across quantum, AI, advanced materials, defence and biotech, leading communications around funding rounds, venture capital launches, partnerships and scientific milestones.
Prior to that, Dunbar spent eight years at London-based B2B technology consultancy Champion Communications, rising from account executive to managing partner. She led campaigns for global cloud, data centre and SaaS businesses across EMEA, North America and APAC, including helping several companies enter new markets, among them a hospitality technology business expanding into Australia and New Zealand.
Dunbar has also completed Imperial College London’s Venture Capital program and Mark Ritson’s MBA in Marketing. She holds an MSc in Public Relations from Manchester Metropolitan University and a BA in History from Newcastle University.
Commenting on her appointment, Dunbar said Australia had an exciting opportunity to turn its deep tech research into globally significant businesses.
“Having worked with ambitious founders across the UK and Europe, I’ve seen how much clear communication matters, whether that’s winning over investors, landing a first customer or hiring the right team,” she said.
“SKMG is built on sharp messaging and strategy, and I’m looking forward to bringing that approach to deep tech and working with the founders and investors taking these technologies to market.”
SKMG co-founder Neil Shoebridge said the Australian deep tech sector was growing rapidly, creating demand for specialist communications expertise to help founders secure funding and scale their businesses.
“With her extensive experience and great track record in the UK, plus an impressive understanding of the Australian market, Gabrielle is the perfect person to do that,” Shoebridge said.
Fellow co-founder Andrew Knowles said the appointment would support the consultancy’s growth as it works with businesses tackling challenges across housing, renewable energy, copyright protection and word-of-mouth science.
“Gabrielle is a remarkably adept operator who understands how founders think, what they need and how to maximise value. We’re so excited to have her on board,” Knowles said.
Dunbar’s appointment follows the addition of Tess O’Brien as associate director of property and place in May 2025. O’Brien has since built a practice with clients across Australia, the UK and Dubai. Eliza Livingstone also joined SKMG as an account executive in March 2026.
