Global technology communications and marketing consultancy, Hotwire has announced the appointment of Melissa Cullen as Managing Director of Communications for the APAC region. In the newly created role, she will be responsible for the Hotwire business in Australia and for expanding the reputation and relationship services footprint across APAC.

Melissa brings significant agency leadership experience, having Co-Founded and run Res Publica as Managing Director for 15 years. She subsequently held senior roles at Icon Agency, Finchco and Ogilvy, leading clients including Salesforce, Westpac and Microsoft.

Melissa has also held several leadership roles within the Australian public relations industry including Chair of the Public Relations Council and Board Member of The Communications Council.

Hotwire's Global Chief Executive Officer, Heather Kernahan said: "We were looking for an experienced tech communications leader with the drive and ambition to expand our communications and public relations services in both capabilities and reach as we build with clients across Asia Pacific.

"Mel’s experience in running her own agency for more than a decade, her work as a senior communications strategist with global tech brands and her leadership role in the PR industry are a fantastic combination that bring value and expertise to Hotwire clients and our team."

Melissa will work alongside Anol Bhattacharya, MD of Marketing APAC, deepening the consultancy’s offerings in communications strategy, public relations, media relations, digital marketing, crisis and issues management, content production, executive thought leadership services, account based marketing, corporate narrative platforms and influencer management.