Meet the team
With an extensive career in public affairs, publishing and consulting, Scott understands the complex nature of relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
He has outstanding specialist senior level experience in government and infrastructure Scott is able to develop strategies to effectively communicate to government, critical stakeholders, media and the community.
As general manager for Clifton Group he also manages the strategic direction and growth of the company.
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.
Philip has a strong background in corporate marketing, strategic communications and journalism. He has held senior roles at respected Melbourne public relations firms and in major Australian companies.
A highly-skilled writer, editor and production manager, Philip has developed communication strategies and implemented campaigns for national and international companies as well as government departments and agencies. Philip specialises in researching, writing and producing a wide range of communications materials, advertising copy writing and directing organisations on their digital and social media strategies.
His achievements including working closely with a European-based marketing team and offices throughout the world on a long-term global communications and marketing campaign; organising international televised sporting events; managing a major financial institution's sponsorship program; producing corporate publications for multi-nationals in several languages; and managing major product launches.
Specialist in marketing communications, writing, design and production management.
Associates
Kerren is a skilled communicator and assists clients with issues management, stakeholder and government relations, strategic communications and policy development.
She has extensive experience and knowledge of the health, biotechnology and medical technology sectors and is a skilled and well-connected advocate. Additionally, many of Kerren’s clients operate in extractive industry or technology development so she is familiar with regulatory approval processes of agencies such as the EPA, Earth Resources and Recovery and local government. Kerren has a well-developed network of connections throughout Victoria
To any job, Kerren brings strategic thinking, knowledge of stakeholder issues and government, a strong ethical framework, understanding of health service delivery and expertise in governance.
Kerren holds a Bachelor of Science, a Graduate Diploma in Health and Medical Law and a Diploma of Company Directorship. She has worked for the Australian Physiotherapy Association, the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Australian Services Union and a number of state and federal members of parliament. She is a director of the Southern Alpine Resorts Management Board, the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria and Flemington Financial Services Limited, where she also chairs the finance and governance committee.
Specialist in policy development, strategy and communications.
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, Hon Andrew Peacock, 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, Dandenong Ranges Gardens Trust and was chair of the Australian Tapestry Workshop. John led the formation of the Melbourne Forum. He is currently on the board of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
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.
