Kelly Boxall
Dubai,UAE
Summary
An experienced and driven communications professional, with a strategic mindset, proven leadership acumen and more than 20 years' experience providing strategic advice and crisis communications counsel at the highest levels of the public and private sector.
Trusted senior advisor to three Prime Ministers in Australia and New Zealand, as well as CEOs and senior leaders at some of the world's leading companies, including US Fortune 500 companies and major sovereign wealth funds, across a wide range of sectors.
Led the content creation and a 555 per cent growth in the Australian Prime Minister’s total social media audience and developed communications plans and strategies around numerous government Budgets and policies in both New Zealand and Australia.
Experienced team manager with a high attention to detail and proven ability to deliver results under pressure.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director
Teneo
Dubai, UAE
11.2022 - 02.2025
- Senior leadership position advising private and public sector leaders in Middle East and around world
- Led business development, provided media and reputation management expertise, and oversaw development of integrated communications plans to support clients’ objectives
- Led development of crisis communications manual and ran crisis simulation exercises for one of world’s largest investment companies (USD250 billion AUM and 1000+ subsidiaries)
- Executed high-profile engagement program for Fortune 500 digital tech/AI company at COP28 and COP29 climate conferences
Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister
Australian PM’s Office
Sydney, Australia
01.2019 - 05.2022
- Provided strategic advice to Australian Prime Minister, senior Cabinet Ministers, MPs and government departments on social media, digital and communications
- Led content creation and responsible for growing Prime Minister’s total social media audience by 555 per cent from around 450,000 to more than 2.5 million
- Analysed complex government policies and summarised them into condensed, easily understandable and impactful social media posts
- Managed social media advertising budget and implemented effective paid social media advertising campaigns
- Closely involved in crisis communication responses to floods, fires, drought, and regional security and international issues
Head of Social Media
Leader of the Opposition’s Office, NZ Parliament
Wellington, NZ
10.2017 - 01.2019
- Senior leadership role providing strategic advice to Leader of the Opposition and Members of Parliament around communications, engagement with communities and stakeholders, and social media
- Directly managed team of nine people involved in graphic design, digital, data management and social media
- Managed advertising budget and analysed performance to maximise return on investment
Director – Digital & New Media/Senior Advisor
New Zealand PM’s Office
Wellington, NZ
12.2016 - 09.2017
- Provided reputational and strategic communications advice and counsel to New Zealand Prime Minister, Rt Hon Sir Bill English, and senior Cabinet Ministers
- Developed ad executed high-level social media strategy that reflected their values and vision
- Monitored and analysed channel growth, reach and content engagement, and implemented online advertising strategy to support and grow this
- Directly managed team of eight people
Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister
New Zealand PM’s office
Wellington, NZ
11.2014 - 12.2016
- Provided strategic advice to New Zealand Prime Minister, Rt Hon Sir John Key, senior Cabinet Ministers, other Members of Parliament and Ministerial staff around communications, issues management and social media
- Developed and delivered strategic communications plans across Ministerial offices, including engaging with key stakeholders
- Managed Prime Minister's brand and reputation in digital space
Chief Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
New Zealand PM’s office
Wellington, NZ
04.2013 - 11.2014
- Provided daily counsel to New Zealand Prime Minister, Rt Hon Sir John Key, on media issues and pitched story ideas to media
- Developed relationships with key media and stakeholders to provide information and help shape media coverage
- Frequently travelled with Prime Minister and business delegations on overseas trips
- Oversaw development and delivery of key Government announcements
Press Secretary to the New Zealand Prime Minister
NZ PM’s office
Wellington, New Zealand
12.2011 - 04.2013
Roving Press Secretary/Ministerial Advisor
NZ PM’s office
Wellington, New Zealand
01.2010 - 12.2011
Corporate Communications Manager
NZ Racing Board
Wellington, New Zealand
07.2008 - 11.2009
Communications Lead (Contract)
Ministry of Health
Wellington, New Zealand
05.2007 - 07.2008
Communications & Marketing Manager
New Zealand Golf
Wellington, New Zealand
01.2006 - 04.2007
Account Manager
Walsh Public Relations
Dublin, Ireland
01.2003 - 01.2005
PR, Communications & Marketing Consultant
Freelance
Wellington, New Zealand
01.2001 - 01.2003
Journalist
Waikato Times
Hamilton, New Zealand
01.1999 - 01.2001
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Journalism
Canterbury University
ChristchurchBachelor of Arts -
Canterbury University
ChristchurchSkills
- Strategic and crisis communications expert
- Proven track record of delivering results under pressure
- Trusted senior advisor
- Strong attention to detail
- Experienced manager of teams and budgets
- Expertise in managing and shaping media and online reputations and brands
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Managing Director
Teneo
11.2022 - 02.2025
Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister
Australian PM’s Office
01.2019 - 05.2022
Head of Social Media
Leader of the Opposition’s Office, NZ Parliament
10.2017 - 01.2019
Director – Digital & New Media/Senior Advisor
New Zealand PM’s Office
12.2016 - 09.2017
Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister
New Zealand PM’s office
11.2014 - 12.2016
Chief Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
New Zealand PM’s office
04.2013 - 11.2014
Press Secretary to the New Zealand Prime Minister
NZ PM’s office
12.2011 - 04.2013
Roving Press Secretary/Ministerial Advisor
NZ PM’s office
01.2010 - 12.2011
Corporate Communications Manager
NZ Racing Board
07.2008 - 11.2009
Communications Lead (Contract)
Ministry of Health
05.2007 - 07.2008
Communications & Marketing Manager
New Zealand Golf
01.2006 - 04.2007
Account Manager
Walsh Public Relations
01.2003 - 01.2005
PR, Communications & Marketing Consultant
Freelance
01.2001 - 01.2003
Journalist
Waikato Times
01.1999 - 01.2001
Post Graduate Diploma - Journalism
Canterbury University
Bachelor of Arts -
Canterbury University
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