Natalie Chandler and Sophie Harsent join Special PR as account director and account manager

Special PR goes from strength to strength with the appointment of two new hires, Natalie Chandler as account director and Sophie Harsent as account manager.

Chandler (right), who moved to New Zealand in 2020, joins Special from Pead, where she managed a wide range of PR campaigns and communications strategies for global and local brands including BMW, MINI, Villa Maria, Tronque and Jeuneora.

Hailing from the UK, Chandler has established her PR career spanning three markets including Australia, where she managed lifestyle and travel clients, and prior to that with in-house roles in the UK at ASDA and Porsche.

Chandler will lead on a range of accounts in Special’s expanding PR client portfolio, executing creative communication campaigns for the likes of Jaguar Land Rover, Tourism Fiji and ALTA.

Harsent (left) joins from boutique agency, Someday Studios, where she launched multiple Kiwi start-ups and developed strategic communication campaigns for likes of AWWA, Abel Odor and Goju.

Bringing a diverse range of skills and strong understanding of the media landscape, Sophie will help drive activity across a variety of Special PR’s clients including Contact, Jaguar Land Rover and Tourism Fiji.

Chandler and Harsent join at a time of stellar growth after multiple new business wins, and the recent appointment of Kat Day as creative lead.

Says Sarah Prigg, who has recently been promoted to senior account director: “We’re thrilled that Natalie and Sophie have joined Special PR to further propel our creative work and support our growing client portfolio. Bringing a broad range of skills and expertise, both Natalie and Sophie have a wealth of knowledge that we’ll be tapping into for all of our clients. It’s a really exciting time at Special PR.”

Says Chandler: “The opportunity to join Special was an offer I couldn’t refuse. The creativity and strategic thinking in the PR team is second to none, and I’m excited to work with such a strong and inspiring team to execute epic work for our clients.”

Says Harsent: “I’m delighted to be joining a world-leading agency recognised for its creativity and impact at a time of rapid growth. Entering with a fresh perspective and a unique background, I’m looking forward to adding value to Special PR’s dynamic range of clients.”

Based in the Auckland office, Natalie and Sophie have joined Special PR with immediate effect and can be reached at natalie.chandler@specialgroup.co.nz and sophie.harsent@specialgroup.co.nz.