VenuesLive WA appoints new Head of Media and Government Relations

June 15, 2023

VenuesLive WA, operator of Perth’s Optus Stadium, has today confirmed the appointment of experienced communications specialist Jean Perkins as the new Head of Media, Communications and Government Relations.

Perkins has more than 20 years’ experience in media, government and public relations and stakeholder engagement, large-scale events and project management in Perth, Sydney and London. She started her career as a cadet journalist with The West Australian before moving into communication roles and has worked across government departments, in ministerial offices and for private communications agencies.

Announcing the appointment, Optus Stadium Chief Executive, Mike McKenna advised “we’re delighted to have Jean joining our team delivering respected and trusted venue, event and hospitality services.

“Jean will be joining us from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. This has been her second stint working with the Department, where she has been a key team member charged with developing plans for all aspects of major events - from internal and cross-government communications to local, national and international media relations, industry and government stakeholder management, and issues management.

“She acted as the central point to coordinate Western Australia’s media and communications activities for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth in 2011, as well as a number of royal visits and major commemorations.

“Prior to re-joining the Department, Jean spent almost five years at Perth’s biggest public relations agency, Cannings Purple, where she led strategy development for clients across a range of sectors, including tourism, fast-moving consumer goods, health and land development.

“Jean also previously worked with one of our key stakeholders, VenuesWest, as Communications Manager, so she has a strong understanding of the governance structure we proudly operate under at Optus Stadium.”

Welcoming the appointment to her new role, Perkins (pictured) commented “I’m delighted to be joining the VenuesLive WA team, based at Australia’s best stadium.

“I have always been passionate about big events and sport, and I look forward to working with key sport, business, tourism, government and media stakeholders in Western Australia and across the country.”

She will start work at Optus Stadium on Monday 26th June.

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