Former Thinkerbell Aotearoa GM Jessica Allison joins Special PR New Zealand as General Manager

Special PR has welcomed industry leader and former GM of Thinkerbell Aotearoa Jessica Allison to the team as General Manager of its Auckland office. The appointment marks a significant milestone for the agency as it enters the next phase of growth.

Allison brings close to two decades of local and international experience to the role, having built her career across New Zealand, Australia, London and New York. Her background spans several high-profile brands within the technology, retail, luxury, FMCG, and energy sectors, with a consistent through-line of earned, creative storytelling that drives commercial success.

Most recently, she served as the General Manager at Mango Communications in Melbourne, before returning to New Zealand to lead Thinkerbell Aotearoa’s market expansion. These roles cemented her reputation as a leader who can build and scale with purpose.

Reporting to Special PR Managing Director, Kelly Grindle, Allison’s remit will span client services, strategic growth, and operations, further strengthening the agency’s senior bench as it expands.

Says Grindle: “The communications industry is at an inflection point; brands that win are those investing in integrated, creatively-led PR that earn attention.

“Special PR has experienced significant growth over the past few years, and bringing in someone of Jessica’s calibre gives us the leadership infrastructure to accelerate with real impact. Her international experience, instinct for integration, and proven ability to deliver large-scale campaigns across markets make her exactly the right person to help shape what comes next.”

Says Allison: “We’re in a moment where the role of PR in the broader marketing mix has never been more important, and Special PR has spent the last five years proving exactly that. They’ve built an ambitious team and an impressive portfolio through a commitment to work that actually moves the dial. I’m here to help build on that foundation and push it further; I couldn’t be more excited.”

Allison’s appointment comes as Special continues to deepen its specialisms across experiential, media relations, influence and social – including an open Head of Social role available within the team.

Jessica joins Special PR with immediate effect and can be reached at [email protected]