Our Team

A little about us

Our people are among the best in the business. We employ only experienced consultants with an outstanding background in communications, a strong work ethic, a focus on results and a ready supply of fresh, innovative ideas.

Clifton consultants and associates have held senior positions in business, media or government. Their diverse backgrounds include journalism, all levels of government, strategic marketing, community engagement, financial communications and investor relations, change management, publishing, property consulting and corporate services.

Our team has extensive contacts within their areas of expertise and are able to handle the most complex issues at the highest levels of business and government. We have excellent and probably unique connections to all political parties.

Meet the team

Ken Davis

Ken has enjoyed an extensive career in public affairs and communications. Previously a leading journalist he worked in London, Melbourne and on the Canberra Press Gallery before moving into consultancy more than 30 years ago.

He has advised chief executives, boards, federal and state government departments and ministers as well as peak body organisations on a range of communications challenges and risk management issues.

He retains close contact with all levels of the media throughout Australia and is a lecturer at RMIT University in the Masters of Communications.

Specialist in media and issues management.

Kellie Curtain

Kellie has a broad range of experience including as a journalist, writer and producer with Channel 9. She has also worked widely in current affairs across the Middle East. Kellie has few peers in presentations, marketing and media training. She is also an extremely well read author,

Specialist in media, media training and issues management

John Wright

Former political advisor in Canberra and Spring St he retains valuable contacts on all sides of politics including the crucial minor parties and the backbench. He has worked successfully as a lobbyist for more than 10 years across planning, regional development and infrastructure

Specialist in political insights and activations

John Ridley

John founded Clifton Group and was its Principal for over 25 years. Today John continues to provide strategic counsel to Clifton Group and its clients. He is a law graduate with extensive experience in the public and private sectors. After an early career in law, he joined the Departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs, accepting several overseas postings. Later as senior private secretary to the foreign minister, he advised on policy and media relations in Australia and overseas.

In 2018 John was awarded the Order of Australia for significant service to the community of Melbourne in a range of honorary and professional roles in community development and arts organisations.

Specialist in issues management, strategy, government relations and advocacy. Highly-developed network of contacts at senior level.

Kerren Clark

Specialising in health and allied industries Kerren is a skilled communicator and assists clients with issues management, stakeholder and government relations, strategic communications and policy development. She has also worked for a number of state and federal members of parliament.

Specialist in policy development, strategy and communications.

Sally Davis

A former Mayor, councillor and adviser to the government on local government issues Sally’s insights into the third tier of government are eagerly sought.

Before specialising in local government Sally, a former daily newspaper journalist, also had an extensive background in corporate communications in the aviation and automotive sectors.

Specialist in local government and issues management

Philip Goslin

Vale Philip Goslin who left us on 4th February 2024, he will be sadly missed.

Affiliates

Although we are based in Melbourne, Clifton's associations with other consultancies throughout regional Victoria, Canberra and in other states allow us to support our clients' interests nationally and on specialist issues.

Clifton Group works closely with CNC Project Management enabling us to provide a comprehensive communications offering to the infrastructure industry.