OUR PARTNERS
Andrew Butcher
MANAGING PARTNER
Before becoming a consultant, Andrew was News Corporation's global spokesman and personal spokesman for Rupert Murdoch for nearly a decade, working on some of the company's most significant transactions and executive changes.
He later served as Executive Director of Communications and Media Relations at Telstra Corporation, where he advised the board and CEO and oversaw all media relations and issues management during a period of significant industry and regulatory change.
Andrew began his career as a journalist with News Corporation, including postings in Japan, New York and Canberra. He is actively involved in not-for-profit organisations, particularly in epilepsy research and advocacy, and is a Life Member of Museums Victoria.
Ian Smith
FOUNDING PARTNER
Ian has been a consultant for more than 30 years, advising Australian and international clients on complex and often sensitive political issues. He founded Bespoke Approach in 2008.
Ian is a Senior Advisor to the Albright Stonebridge Group, part of Washington-based DGA Group. He was previously CEO of Gavin Anderson & Company and a media advisor to a State Premier.
He is a director for Barefoot To Boots and is a director of Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia.
Marie Festa
PARTNER
Marie has more than 20 years' experience in senior executive roles across ASX-listed companies, with responsibility for corporate affairs, stakeholder engagement, investor relations, government relations, sustainability, human resources, change management and innovation.
Her executive career spans property (Mirvac Group, Vicinity Centres), fintech (Afterpay Limited), retail (Cettire), mining (Gloucester Coal, Coronado Coal), transport and logistics (Asciano Limited), and the not-for-profit sector (as CEO of Chief Executive Women).
Marie provides deep capital-markets literacy, strong government and regulatory insight, and an ability to align corporate reputation with long-term strategic outcomes.
Ben Mitchell
PARTNER
Ben has worked across corporate affairs, government and the media for more than 30 years. He was General Manager External Affairs and Communication for Rio Tinto (Australia), Director of Public Affairs for the Minerals Council of Australia, and a senior media adviser to a Prime Minister.
Before becoming a Partner at Bespoke, Ben was the director of his own advisory business established in 2017, leading major transactions, national advocacy campaigns, complex corporate issues and crisis responses for Australian and international companies. He is also on the board of the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute.
Ben was a journalist with The Australian, The Age and The Sunday Age, giving him a deep understanding of media dynamics and newsroom decision-making.
Briony Gleeson
BUSINESS MANAGER
Briony has more than 15 years’ experience, bringing a strong background in HR advisory, financial administration and business management spanning the media, arts, financial services, and government sectors.
She is known for her attention to detail, commercial judgement and ability to manage complex priorities with absolute discretion. Briony plays a central role in ensuring the smooth running of Bespoke, supporting client delivery and internal operations.
Briony is an ambassador for the Epilepsy Foundation and actively participates in research and fundraising efforts to educate others about epilepsy.
CONTACT US
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Bespoke Approach accepts briefs for either retained ongoing relationships or specific, one-off projects. Contact us to find out more.