University appoints new Director of Marketing and Public Relations

The University of Newcastle has appointed a new Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

In an announcement today, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Saunders, said he was pleased to announce the appointment of Andrea Hammond as the University’s new Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

Professor Saunders said Ms Hammond’s role will be vital to the University as it goes forward into a significant growth stage. He said with the University’s expansion at Port Macquarie, the significant growth at its Ourimbah Campus, as well as more than 1,000 fully funded Government places being phased in over several years, the integrated Marketing and Public Relations function is an important one.

Ms Hammond has been the Head of Communication and Promotion at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) since 2003.

She has had more than 10 years experience marketing higher education across all elements of the marketing and public relations mix, at an executive, senior manager and management level.

From 1996 to 2003, she worked at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), most recently as Head of Marketing and recruitment. Prior to joining the higher education sector she worked as a journalist, sub-editor and news editor on newspapers in Australia and the UK.

“I am confident Andrea Hammond will bring great expertise to this key position. Her broad experience across all areas of marketing and communication – both in the university and public service sector – along with her considerable management expertise, will be a valuable addition to the University of Newcastle’s leadership team,” Professor Saunders said.

Andrea Hammond said she was looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the University of Newcastle’s growth and development.

“It’s exciting to have the opportunity to contribute to the University of Newcastle’s continued growth and development in a changing and dynamic higher education environment. I look forward in this role, to helping the institution reaffirm and communicate its unique strengths and appeal,” Andrea Hammond said.

Ms Hammond will take up her role as the University’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations on Monday, 13th February, 2006.

A photograph of Andrea Hammond is available on request.