23 September, 2013
From the Olympic Games to the Orange Revolution: Kiwi Heads Home to Helm Leading PR Agency
International PR explorer Antonios Papaspiropoulos has returned home to take the helm of Network Communication Group as
General Manager, New Zealand.
Antonios’ global career includes 15 years as the PR head of some of the world’s largest multinationals, and working with
Presidents, Prime Ministers, celebrities and superstars.
Antonios will be taking Network Communication – one of NZ’s oldest and most experienced consultancies – on a new journey
of exploration and production.
Amongst his career highlights, he established a new market entry for Royal Dutch Shell in Ukraine following the Orange
Revolution, and overcame hostile opposition to secure environmental and regulatory approvals for Chevron to build a $55
billion gas plant on a World Heritage listed, Class A Nature Reserve in Western Australia.
He has also advised at the Sydney and Athens Olympic Games and worked in successfully unleashing lucrative business
opportunities in China and Russia. He is now working with New Zealand businesses to similarly crack these key but
complex markets.
A former journalist, political advisor, consultant, and advocate, his former bosses have included Virgin founder, Sir
Richard Branson, and “at least one Beatle.”
Network Managing Director, Dennis Lynch, says Antonios’ expertise in forging enduring relationships and his flair for
winning prized commercial contracts were key motivators in selecting Antonios to head the 42-year old company.
“Antonios is a seasoned communicator and strategist with specialist knowledge of corporate cultures, new business
development and change management. His international experience, coupled with his local knowledge and people prowess,
will be a real asset as we take our business to the next level.”
Antonios says he is excited to be able to join an organisation which has such a rich history and reputation, and he is
relishing the chance to apply his adventurist spirit and international experience to the company.
“Network has an enviable client list, an impressive 19-strong team, and a track record of success. I have a ton of
energy and ideas about how we can help New Zealand businesses differentiate and distinguish themselves on a national and
international stage.”
Network’s Auckland and Wellington offices service a large client list which includes some of New Zealand’s most
respected blue chip organisations including Coca Cola, Nestlé, ASB Bank and Fisher & Paykel Appliances, in addition to advocacy groups in Network’s specialist food arena.
ENDS