Supplier diversity not-for-profit's new marketing and comms chief brings crisis skills to the fore

A strong background in crisis communications is coming to the fore for Supply Nation’s new head of marketing and communications in the current COVID-19 environment.

Jodie Taylor was recruited as the not-for-profit’s marketing chief in March and reports directly to CEO, Laura Berry. She told CMO the appointment reflected the organisation’s strong growth in driving corporate and government engagement with the Indigenous business sector.

Supply Nation was established in 2009 to connect Australian brands and government services with Indigenous businesses nationally.

As a member of the executive management team, Taylor is involved in strategic planning and business initiatives, with overall responsibility for media relations, marketing and PR, strategic communications and digital engagement.

Credit: Jodie Taylor

“I've always been attracted to opportunities to drive social change, and chaired Lendlease’s Indigenous Engagement and Diversity and Inclusion Committees across the Barangaroo precinct from 2018 to January 2020,” she said.

“As an Indigenous woman, I have closely observed Supply Nation’s growth in recent years with admiration. I feel incredibly privileged to join a purpose-driven organisation, that is closely aligned with my personal values around Indigenous engagement and driving inclusion across diverse landscapes.”

Taylor’s resume also includes nearly 10 years with Qantas, where she was on the airline's crisis communications committee, plus marketing and communication roles with Gilbert + Tobin, Service HQ and Sydney Trains.

Taylor said she’s hit the ground running during this turbulent period, as the COVID-19 situation escalated quickly during her first week on the job.

“Ironically, I have a strong background in crisis communications and was involved in managing Qantas' media response to the SARS pandemic 17 years ago,” she said, adding it was experience she’s now drawing on as the crisis presses down globally.

“For Supply Nation, our immediate priority is supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses during this stressful period of uncertainty, and ensuring the long-term viability of the Indigenous business sector,” Taylor continued.

A range of initiatives are now underway in response to the COVID-19 situation, including a new Webcast series produced by Supply Nation in partnership with Ernst & Young, a dedicated business listing page for certified suppliers providing COVID-19 related products, and FAQs to help its community.

Follow CMO on Twitter: @CMOAustralia, take part in the CMO conversation on LinkedIn: CMO ANZ, follow our regular updates via CMO Australia's Linkedin company page, or join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CMOAustralia.