Strategic communications agency Sound Story has announced the appointment of Kirsty Rivers as its new Industry Relations Director. Rivers brings over 35 years of experience in the government and music industry, spanning retail and recorded music to government and policy.

Rivers joins Sound Story from Creative Australia, where she served as Head of Music in the sector development and advocacy team for the past three and a half years. Prior to this, she led Creative Victoria's contemporary music division, oversaw the Victorian Government's Music Works program, formed numerous awards and fellowships for music professionals, and completed a 17-year tenure as National Manager for Writer Services at APRA AMCOS.

In recognition of her significant contribution to the music industry, Rivers was inducted into the Hall of Fame at last year's Music Victoria Awards.

Sound Story has also expanded its team with the addition of Vivienne Kelly as Senior Communications Specialist and Maddie Koczanowski as Communications, Culture and Events Specialist. Kelly, a respected editor and journalist with over 13 years of experience, joins Sound Story from The Brag Media. Koczanowski, who began her media career at Klick Communications and spent almost six years with Spotify in Australia and the UK, joins as a Communications, Culture and Events specialist.

Sound Story was founded by Jake Challenor in January 2023 and has offices in Sydney and Melbourne.

"Kirsty's reputation as a fierce advocate and champion for the Australian music ecosystem within industry and government is of enormous value to Sound Story's incredible partners. As our clients grow, so too does Sound Story. Our mission is to help ambitious brands to launch, grow, and manage their reputations on the world stage - we do this through strategic storytelling, and Kirsty is one of the best in the business," said Challenor.

Rivers added, "It's an exciting time to be joining Sound Story and supporting the team's vision to tell the stories of forward-thinking brands disrupting the music, media, advertising and tech industries. Inspired by Jake and the team's unique outlook and global perspective, I'm thrilled to use my expertise in industry and government to realise actions and ideas, at this incredibly exciting and pivotal time for Australian creativity."