Sound Story Expands Its Comms Team Across The East Coast

Strategic communications agency Sound Story is expanding its capabilities across the east coast of the country, with new key hires and promotions across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

The new additions are led by Melbourne-based Kate McCabe, who joins as their Strategic Communications Lead after time spent as the Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications for the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet. Music industry workers would undoubtedly recognise McCabe's name from her time spent at the likes of the ABC and Remote Control Records.

Per a press release, McCabe will work across reputation and risk for clients, with a strong focus on government and policy positioning, issues and crisis management, and industry advocacy.

“I’ve had my eye on Sound Story for some time – what they’re doing feels different," McCabe explains. "They are providing our local creative sector with proven corporate-inspired strategic comms expertise, and that’s exciting. 

"I’m looking forward to working with Sound Story and sharing my learnings from the issues-rich wheelhouse of government.”

Brisbane-based Nick Price also joins the team as their nascent Corporate Communications Specialist, having curated a decade of experience with work at the likes of SGC Media, The Red Republic, IVY PR and Bespoken Agency.

Price will be working closely alongside Sydney-based Zanda Wilson, who has also been promoted to Head of Corporate Communications after joining Sound Story at its launch in 2023.

The new additions follow on from the recent appointments of Melbourne-based Geoff Cope-Watts as Senior Communications Specialist (who brings more than 20 years of broadcasting and PR experience at the likes of NOVA Entertainment, ARN, SCA, Nine, and SBS alongside Thrive PR + Communications) and Sydney-based Consumer Communications Specialist Brooke Boland (whose background includes significant expertise in public relations, social media, and influencer marketing thanks to time spent at Sling & Stone, Red Havas, and Klick X).

Sound Story, which was founded in 2023 by Managing Partners Jake Challenor and Brian Lawlor, has spent the past two-and-a-half years cementing its reputation as one of the country's premier strategic communications agencies, working with leaders and challengers in the creative industries across music, media, technology, fashion and more. 

"The way stories are told — and the way they spread — is always evolving," explains Challenor. "We built Sound Story to help creative industry leaders and challengers make sense of that complexity and turn it into opportunity. 

"The addition of Kate, Nick, Geoff and Brooke, alongside Zanda stepping up as Head of Corporate Communications, further strengthens our capabilities with the depth and expertise needed to help our clients manage their reputation on the world stage."