MEET THE SPEAKERS
SNEZANA HAY | FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Snezana Hay has spent more than two decades in the world of sport, entertainment and brand storytelling, leading major campaigns, managing global talent and creating moments that capture public attention.
After working across both agency and in-house roles, she launched SPEAK Communications in 2018.
What started as a one-woman consultancy has grown into one of Australia's leading independent sport, entertainment and culture PR agencies. Today, SPEAK partners with some of the world's biggest brands, sporting organisations and entertainment properties and was recognised as Mumbrella CommsCon Boutique PR Agency of the Year in 2024.
Known for her energy, instinct, problem-solving mindset and hands-on approach, Snezana remains closely involved in every client partnership, ensuring the same level of care, commitment and execution that SPEAK was built on.
"I built SPEAK to be the agency I could never quite find when I was an in-house PR practitioner - one where clients get true partners. We show up, we care deeply and we deliver with intention. That's always been the difference."
Away from work, you'll usually find Snezana swapping SPEAK's signature hot pink for an orange soccer jersey as she lines up for her local football team, trying to keep up with her two kids, or enjoying a bottle champagne with friends. Yes, she really is that PR cliché.
EMILY SIMONS | GROUP ACCOUNT MANAGER
Emily is a communications professional with nearly a decade of experience delivering integrated PR campaigns across sport, lifestyle, consumer and technology. A lifelong basketball player and self-confessed sports fanatic, she combines strategic thinking with a genuine passion for storytelling, helping brands, organisations and major events connect with the audiences that matter most.
After beginning her career in B2B and enterprise technology communications, Emily followed her passion into sport while expanding her experience across consumer lifestyle, culture and major events. She has worked both agency-side and in-house, giving her a well-rounded perspective on building campaigns that not only generate media coverage, but also deliver meaningful commercial and brand outcomes.
As Group Account Manager at SPEAK, Emily leads integrated communications programs across the agency’s clients, overseeing strategy, media relations, partnerships, influencer engagement and campaign delivery from concept to execution. She thrives on solving complex communications challenges, uncovering compelling stories and building trusted relationships with media, talent and stakeholders to deliver work that cuts through.
Outside of work, you'll usually find Emily on the basketball court with the North Sydney Bears, following just about every major sporting code, or enjoying a beverage and parmy with family and friends at her local.
BEC WALLISCH | PR & INFLUENCER MANAGER
A PR and influencer specialist with more than a decade of experience across the sports, entertainment, lifestyle and video game industries, Bec has worked both agency-side and in-house to deliver high-impact campaigns for some of the world’s most recognised brands.
With particular expertise in talent and influencer engagement, she is skilled at identifying the right voices for a campaign, building trusted relationships with creators and their representatives, and developing partnerships that feel authentic while delivering meaningful results. Her background in the video game industry has also seen her lead communications and creator programs for major global publishers, game franchises and gaming hardware brands.
Known for her strong relationships, creative thinking and calm approach to fast-moving campaigns and live events, Bec combines strategic insight with a genuine understanding of media, talent and audience culture.
Away from her desk, you’ll usually find Bec soaking up the outdoors, especially at the beach, hunting down a great coffee or matcha, checking out the latest cafes, bars and restaurants, or enjoying a meal and beveragino with friends and family. She also loves attending concerts and live sporting events, with a particular passion for basketball and a more recent appreciation for ice hockey.
CELINE SHASHATI | SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Celine is a communications professional with experience across public relations, marketing and digital communications, having worked with leading sporting organisations, lifestyle brands and major international events. Passionate about storytelling and building meaningful connections, she enjoys helping brands bring campaigns to life through creative communications and strong media relationships.
As Senior Account Executive at SPEAK, Celine supports the team in delivering integrated communications campaigns across sport, consumer and technology clients, managing media relations, influencer engagement, campaign delivery and reporting. Known for her organisation and attention to detail, she particularly enjoys turning campaign data into meaningful insights that demonstrate real business outcomes for clients.
When not working, you’ll find Celine DJ’ing, with a camera in her hand, at the beach or cheering on a basketball team (rarely all at once).
SAM GEORGES | STRATEGIST & CREATIVE
A sharp thinker, Sam brings global brand experience, cultural awareness and commercial clarity to every brief.
A trusted consultant to SPEAK Communications since its inception, she helps shape ideas that cut through to deliver campaigns that get clients heard. With experience across sport, entertainment, consumer and lifestyle brands, Sam is focused on making big thinking feel simple.
JASON EVANS | SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
A communications professional with 16 years’ experience across technology and entertainment, working on globally recognised brands including Microsoft, Netflix, Ford, Nine and Stan Sport.
A creative strategist with extensive experience building strong relationships with news, mainstream, technology, entertainment and sports media. Skilled in managing high-profile executives and VIP talent, with proven leadership in both in-house and agency settings, including agency management.
Experienced in crisis communications and reporting to internal and external stakeholders, delivering clear, strategic outcomes while protecting brand reputation.