Hardman Communications is an award-winning specialist agency focused on strategic communications and content creation to reach audiences in industries that "feed and build the world", including:•agriculture and agribusiness•construction, earthmoving, engineering, manufacturing•regional and rural businessAs a highly specialised agency, we choose to work with clients we know we can deliver great results for, and our campaigns are tailored at every step, revised at every key point and accountable at every stage. Over 90% of our new business comes from referrals.Our client roster includes a diverse range of businesses right across the supply chain of the niche markets we support. They vary in size and ambition from multinational global brands to local businesses and startups. We are a small but mighty team and the focus has always been on measured growth and profitability versus volume. That is not to say we don't invest in new ventures and in 2015 launched a new podcast Regional Voices, to tell the stories of regional Australia. In 2017 we launched Amplify to provide social media audit and specialised services in a rapidly changing communications and media landscape.As part of our drought proofing strategy, in 2019 we moved into a co-working space in Parramatta and have embedded our presence ahead of significant growth taking place in planned multiversities, aerotropolis with agribusiness precinct, and "three cities CBD" growth. This includes being asked by the City of Parramatta to conduct training programs in PR and Crisis management for local businesses.The agency has won or been finalists in multiple PRIA and CommsComm industry awards. I welcome invitations to speak at Conferences or facilitate events.

* Directed a team of global professionals and agencies to implement marketing communications strategies that drove US$3 billion in annual sales volume, in 150 countries worldwide.* Counsel to senior executives on global brand strategy and commercial issues that impact brand success.* Managed merger and integration issues as they related to communications and strategic business plan of business unit.* Managed a global marketing communications budget of US$11 million to maximize impact and return on investment.* Drove the creation of a strong brand globally, through consistent advertising, trade shows/events, direct mail, collateral development, trade media relations, electronic media and promotions for specific product and service brands.* Evaluated the quality, creativity and effectiveness of global communications activities through brand audits, periodic reviews, and benchmarking.* Developed and executed communication programs to approx. 600 dealer locations globally, to align the distribution network with commercial sales goals and deliver a consistent brand promise.* Drove brand competencies throughout the global organisation via brand education programs.

* Led strategic brand management for three financial services brands - Soris, Case Credit and Cummins CaseCredit.* Developed and implemented communication strategies for a new non-captive finance brand with exclusive dealer / Distributor base.* Developed and managed external communications activities including advertising, tradeshows, direct mail, product launches, and public relations. Provided communications counsel to functional groups and senior management.* Led communications for the Case Corporation and New Holland merger - to become CNH / CNH Capital.* Led communications strategy and was key spokesperson for the closure of the Case IH Racine Tractor Plant.

* In my ex-pat role, managed and developed a staff of five professionals (covering disciplines of public relations, database management, dealer communication, tradeshows and administration) for the NorthAmerican market.* Led and directed strategic marketing, internal and external communications activities in support of the business unit’s key objectives.* Managed operating budgets and fiscal compliance.* Provided communications counsel to functional groups and senior management.

Managed and developed staff of 3 communications professionals and an operating budget of AUD$3M. Brand management and strategic counsel on specific communications issues as they related to the region. Trade and business public relations activities. Event management – Product launches, group meetings, roadshows. Managed internal communications across the region (800 employees). Developed and implemented advertising and promotional plans for each product line and key brand. Established communications strategies to support emerging markets in Asia Pacific – Indonesia, China, Thailand, Malaysia.

Wrote and produced company Annual Report, trade and business media releases and internal newsletter.

Completed 3 month graduate training program in all functional areas of the organization including manufacturing, service, sales and finance. Employee communications, including writing, editing and designing staff newsletter. Co-ordination of events: press conferences, open days, conferences etc. Media relations. Labor negotiations and communications management. Co-ordination of community outreach programs and philanthropy.