our team
Our people are among the best in the business. We employ only experienced consultants with a strong work ethic, a focus on results and a ready supply of fresh, innovative ideas.
Clifton consultants and associates have ‘lived in the real world’. Most held senior positions in business, media or government before joining us. Their diverse backgrounds include journalism, all levels of government, strategic marketing, financial communications and investor relations, change management, publishing, property consulting and corporate services.
Our consultants have a high degree of technical and financial literacy. Several have a science qualification or background in communicating scientific and technical concepts; others hold financial qualifications. They also have 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 both major political parties.
If a particular project needs expertise we don’t already have, we will seek out an industry leader to join the team. This makes Clifton unique in its commitment to servicing clients.
John Ridley
Kerren Clark
Ken Davis
Philip Goslin
Nancy Mills
Karen Sherlock
Senior advisers
Associates
Regional Network
John Ridley (BA LLB
Company founder and principal. 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. As director of Public Affairs for Alcoa of Australia he oversaw sensitive negotiations for the establishment of the Portland Aluminium Smelter and introduced a can-recycling program. Then as state director of the Liberal Party, Victoria, John assumed the role of CEO for the state party, including running federal and state election campaigns, fund raising, and candidate selection and training. He has been a councillor of the Shire of Upper Yarra Valley, a member of the regional planning authority, and a board member of the Children’s Protection Society, Zoological Board of Victoria and Dandenong Ranges Gardens Trust. Specialist in issues management, strategy, government relations and advocacy. Highly-developed network of contacts at senior level.
Kerren Clark (BSc, Grad Dip Health, Medical Law)
Has extensive experience and knowledge of the health sector and is a skilled and well-connected advocate on health related issues. She recently developed the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s policy framework and built its reputation as the number one allied health organisation in Australia. She has also managed major projects at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, including the development of its programs on medical responses to sexual and domestic violence and she chairs the Australian Health Care Reform Alliance. She is also a member of the Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria. Kerren has previously worked in politics and industrial relations fields including three years as an electorate officer. Specialist in policy development, strategy and communications.
Ken Davis
Joined the Clifton Group after 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 20 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 issues and risk management. He retains close contact with all levels of the media – radio, television and newspapers - throughout Australia and is a visiting lecturer at RMIT University in communications. Specialist in media and issues management.
Philip Goslin (BA, Sports Studies)
Highly-experienced public relations practitioner having held senior roles at respected Melbourne PR firms and at Mazda Australia. Philip has also been a sports journalist, an advertising copywriter and a speechwriter.
His achievements include managing a major financial institution’s sponsorship program, organising international televised sporting events, producing corporate publications for multi-nationals in several languages and preparing major product launch materials. Specialist in writing and production, sponsorship, events management, sport and transport industries.
Nancy Mills (BSc.Hons, Grad. Dip. Communication)
A skilled communications professional with a strong science background. After graduating from the University of Western Australia in 1982, she worked for the WA Museum as a research chemist before becoming manager of public affairs for the CSIRO Institute of Animal Production and Processing.
Later, as public affairs manager for the NSW Coal Association, she was responsible for media relations, coordinating public events and conducting mine tours for teachers. After a period as editor of Chemistry in Australia, Nancy became a public affairs consultant to the Victorian Department of Primary Industries, researching and writing submissions, industry strategies, annual reports and newsletters. Specialist in writing and editing, strong background in primary production and processing.
Karen SherlockKaren Sherlock (BA Journalism)
A former senior political officer with exceptional networks and organisational skills, Karen joined Clifton after serving several years as a state organiser with the Australian Labor Party, Victoria. During this time she was involved in state communication and marketing, media and advertising, marginal seats campaigning and political event management.
Prior to this, Karen was a ministerial assistant and electorate officer for several leading Victorian ALP politicians. Karen has a deep knowledge of ALP policy and culture and extensive Labor contacts at state and federal level and in the union movement. Specialist in government and political relations.
