Sandpiper announces new leadership across Australia and New Zealand

Francesca Boase will lead the region in the newly created role of managing director, Australia and New Zealand, while Eddie Morton will oversee the agency’s Australia operations as deputy general manager, Sandpiper Australia.  Camille Middleditch continues in her role as deputy general manager, Sandpiper New Zealand.

Boase is also Sandpiper’s global managing director for professional services, and brings over 20 years’ experience in agency and inhouse roles working with Boards and executive teams on reputation strategy, corporate communications, and crisis and issues management.

Morton is a public affairs specialist, with a deep understanding of government relations, issues, and crisis management across Asia Pacific. Eddie has been a key member of the ANZ and global healthcare teams for almost three years and also serves as deputy lead for Sandpiper Health.  Camille Middleditch, deputy general manager of Sandpiper New Zealand, is also co-lead of Sandpiper’s Energy and ESG practice.

Boase, Morton, and Middleditch will together drive Sandpiper’s business expansion across ANZ with operational responsibility across their respective markets.

Sandpiper’s ANZ business has rapidly built a reputation for delivering communications, public affairs, research, and crisis support of the highest calibre to clients across  professional and financial services, insurance, health, energy, environment and ESG. Sandpiper has been awarded Asia Pacific Agency of the Year over the past 12 months by PRovoke Media, PRWeek, and the Public Relations Communications Association (PRCA), and recognised for our specialist expertise in ESG and Sustainability, winning Specialist Consultancy of the Year at PRCA APAC’s 2024 annual awards.

Says Emma Smith, chief executive officer, Sandpiper: “Our Australia and New Zealand business has been an exceptional driver of growth and a centre of deep expertise for Sandpiper, globally. With Fran, Eddie, and Camille leading our very senior and specialised team of experts in the region, we are positioned to continue this exciting trajectory and to expand on the sterling service our clients have come to expect. Fran and Eddie’s appointments are in recognition of their dedication to our clients and people, achievements, and leadership ability, and I look forward to working closely with them both.”

Says Boase: “Sandpiper’s broad sector specialisms and capabilities combined with its considerable regional footprint makes this a phenomenal opportunity to expand our ANZ offering. The depth of experience across Sandpiper’s ANZ team positions us well for the opportunities ahead, and I’m excited to be working with high calibre clients and an extraordinarily talented team.”

Says Morton: “Today, Australian firms face an especially fierce political and media landscape, and an issues and values-conscious public. These forces, spurred on by the economic climate, make sound communications advice critical. I am proud to lead an expert team, guiding global and local firms through times of change, crisis and innovation. I look forward to working under the expertise of Fran Boase, and alongside Camille Middleditch to continue growing our business.”

Sandpiper ANZ is part of the Sandpiper Group, which includes Sandpiper Health, Sandpiper Communications and Public Affairs and Sandpiper Research & Insights.