Katrina Witham - PR Gals Director
SYDNEY
After eight years in the media industry, Katrina is a seasoned media professional who has worked in both journalism and public relations. And while she has managed campaigns for clients across almost every sector (commercial, government, not-for-profit, lifestyle, fashion, beauty and entertainment), she is currently specialised in the field of a fashion/ retail, beauty and lifestyle.
A truly national publicist, Katrina has become a regular at Sydney’s famous Elizabeth Street Bambini café, which is where she meets with some of Australia’s leading magazine editors on behalf of clients. Due to the wide range of client work Katrina has undertaken, her plethora of media contacts span magazines, newspapers, television, radio and bloggers across Australia. Highly connected in the fashion and entertainment industry, Katrina’s Little Black Book lists many famous and respected industry identities.
Katrina’s love for PR is the constant challenges to think outside the box in order to achieve wonderful results for
clients. After so many years working with brands, Katrina considers herself a “brand management” expert. She prides herself on the highly strategic and holistic approach she takes when managing all elements of client’s branding and PR activities, ensuring they truly add value and align with client’s business goals. With her journalism background, she is a master writer and is known for turning the blandest copy into a work of art.
Katrina’s favourite PR past time is forming highly beneficial partnerships/ collaborations/ sponsorship opportunities between her client’s and other brands and identities that share great synergies.
Relationships are her most valued business assets - relationships with her clients, peers and the media.
Katrina’s passion for the media industry was truly ignited at the age of 16 when she completed work experience in a bustling television newsroom and became addicted to the excitement of covering news. After completing her university studies she was awarded most outstanding journalism student and kick-started her career as a reporter at a major metropolitan newspaper (The Courier Mail). During her tenure she worked across general news and the features department. Her role took her on many adventures – to the set of Channel 10’s Rove to interview Mr McManus, the centre of Australia to write an epic travel story, and to many political press conferences to chase comment on the story of the day from the likes of former Premier and media tart Peter Beattie. After pursuing an opportunity to edit a regional newspaper, it was upon Katrina’s return that she made the move into public relations. It didn’t take long for her to discover that working on the other side of the fence was an equal adventure.
Whether it is showing new season fashion collections to magazine editors; negotiating sponsorship for clients at major events; hosting media or celebrities at VIP events; or managing innovative photo shoots or media stunts – Katrina thrives on the fact that every day is different and that she has the opportunity to meet fascinating personalities. Experienced in both in-house and agency service provision, at the end of 2009, Katrina left full time employment to start her own boutique PR consultancy and 12 months on launched The PR Gals.
At a stage in her career where she is truly reaping the benefit of years of experience - the authority, knowledge and extensive contacts and networks that comes with that - Katrina is looking to further perfect the art of PR and brand management. She is also passionate about seeing her peers recognised for their outstanding skills and assist in building greater credibility, understanding and respect for the public relations industry.
