Thrive PR has made a number of new appointments to its Melbourne leadership team as Zoe Raknes departs the agency after three years helming the Melbourne office.

Raknes steps down to assume a leadership role within her family's business, with a new Melbourne Business Director to be announced in coming weeks. The agency's Melbourne newly named senior leadership team will also include Nathan McGregor, Summer Reading, Melanie Campbell, Erin Doyle, Erika Rutledge and Sophie Maquire.

“It has been such a privilege seeing Thrive Melbourne - the location where Thrive was born - go from strength to strength with new team members, an enviable local and global client list and the cultivation of a culture and community like no other," said Raknes. "I feel so proud of what we have created together. It has been the most rewarding and transformative role of my career.”

Thrive CEO and founder, Leilani Abels, stressed the agency's A/NZ footprint even while talking up its Melbourne connection. “I’m so proud of what the Melbourne team are achieving together and the way we continue to evolve, challenge ourselves and bring new opportunities to our clients," she said. "We are looking forward to announcing our new local business lead and so grateful for the role Zoe has played with Snezna in strengthening and diversifying the Melbourne team. It’s an exciting time at Thrive.”

Abels also acknowledged the significance of the agency's roots in Victoria. “Victoria is where it all began for our agency and we have proven that businesses are truly ‘limited by nothing’ being based and growing from Melbourne. I want us to help many more businesses in Melbourne grow and thrive into 2024 and beyond.”

Thrive Melbourne recently completed a campaign for WelleCo and represents a diverse range of clients including ANZ, News Corp, Chobani Australia, Spotlight Group, Stihl, and MG Motor Australia. The agency has offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Auckland.