Chris Waite, a seasoned corporate affairs and communications professional in the tourism and hospitality industry, is excited to unveil his new consultancy, drawing on his 25 years of experience across Australia, Europe, and Asia.
Chris Waite Corporate Affairs & Communications is dedicated to helping businesses build and safeguard their most valuable asset: their reputation. Waite will focus on delivering results through strategic communications, crisis management, government relations, and responsible business practices, with an added focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives.
He will also draw on his long history of living and working in Japan, providing the cultural intelligence to help businesses who are looking build a strong presence in this highly sought after market.
Waite brings a wealth of experience from his tenure with global brands such as IHG Hotels & Resorts, Amadeus IT Group, and Flight Centre, as well as several years honing his craft on the editorial team at Business Travel World magazine in London.
“I’m thrilled to embark on this new chapter, offering my expertise to organisations ready to elevate their profile, navigate the noise and drive positive change,” said Waite. “Building a truly great reputation isn’t something that comes with the click of your fingers; it’s a journey of uncovering your unique purpose and authentically sharing your story with the world. I have a track record of getting to the heart of what makes a business tick, distilling its voice, and then finding engaging ways of building trust, inspiring action, and leaving a legacy that resonates.
Waite is a recognised industry leader, having received numerous awards, including the Asia Pacific Association of Communication Directors (APACD) Communications Team of the Year and the HM Awards Communications Associate of the Year. He was Vice President of the Accommodation Australia Public Affairs & Communications Committee from 2021 to 2024 and continues to sit on the Board of rewilding charity Wild Australian Sanctuaries.
Chris Waite Corporate Affairs & Communications will offer a range of services tailored to the unique needs of each client, including:
· Reputation Building: Crafting and implementing strategies to enhance brand image and stakeholder trust.
· Strategic Communications: Developing and executing integrated communications plans to achieve business objectives, including external media, thought leadership and colleague engagement
· Crisis Communications: Proactively managing and resolving incidents, issues, and crises, protecting reputation before, during and after the storm hits.
· Responsible Business: Integrating ESG and DE&I principles into communications strategies to drive positive impact.
· Public Affairs and Government Relations: Engaging with key decision-makers and ensuring your voice is heard in the public arena.
· Navigating the Japanese Market: Providing cultural intelligence, communication expertise, and stakeholder connections to unlock opportunities in Japan.
In addition to his core services, Waite also offers a range of complementary services including media training, spokesperson training, agency management, event management, corporate copywriting, event management and access to market-leading Japanese translation and transcreation services.
As well as being recognised as a strategic communications leader in the tourism and hospitality industry, Waite is known for his cheerful, approachable and collaborative nature. He’s passionate about partnering with clients to elevate their profile and achieve lasting success.
For more information and to get in touch, please visit www.chriswaite.com.au.
