Seasoned industry leader Sarah Smith has taken the reigns at Havas Group’s entertainment communications consultancy Organic Pacific after founding Managing Partner Annabelle Gigliotti stepped back from the business following a cancer diagnosis.
Gigliotti appointed long-term industry colleague Smith as Acting Managing Partner to focus on treatment following her stage four colon cancer diagnosis that she has already successfully completed a first round of chemo for, with positive results.
Smith is more than equipped to step into the role, with her 20-plus year entertainment industry career including roles as Foxtel Group Director of Communications and PR, Stan Head of PR – Entertainment & Sport, as well as stints with Endemol Shine, Warner Bros. Entertainment, ITV Studio Australia and Universal Music.
As she prepared to step away from the business for the time being, Gigliotti delivered two important messages to the industry. Organic is in safe hands. And get checked for cancer.
“I had NO symptoms apart from being tired all the time – and who in our industry isn’t?” Annabelle said. “I’m open about my diagnosis because I want to encourage as many people to get checked as possible, particularly as rates of cancer for those in their 30’s and 40’s are increasing exponentially, and are too young for standard screenings.”
“I know I can fully focus on my treatment knowing Organic is in incredibly safe and capable hands with Sarah. As I built Organic, I hand selected each one of our amazing team, not only on the strength of their professional capability but more so – their work ethic, and who they are as a human being. I value that, so do our clients and it’s what makes us so special.
“Sarah was my first choice to fill my shoes. She is an empathetic leader who prioritises the growth and wellbeing of her team as fundamental to success – and her deep first-hand experience in the reality of the landscape our clients work in day in, day out is unmatched. We are lucky to have her.”
Sarah Smith, Organic Acting Managing Partner said, “I’m proud and privileged to be supporting Annabelle and leading the incredible Organic team – a team that did not miss a single beat when they were faced with such a sudden and unexpected change in the business. Annabelle is so loved and respected and this has hit everyone hard. Such a beautiful person, I vividly remember what Annabelle said to me in that first call. She said, ‘I need make sure my team are okay.”
“Annabelle and I have exchanged ideas about how to continue Organic’s growth trajectory and write the next major chapter as the business of entertainment continues to evolve, including through growth in the consumer products world projects and home entertainment campaigns. We’ve got this, Annabelle!”
James Wright, Group CEO at Havas Creative Network ANZ, Global CEO at HAVAS Red and Global Chair Havas PR Network said Annabelle has the support of the entire Havas Village. “Annabelle is one of the most respected entertainment PR experts in Australia and, more importantly, an incredible person. She and her phenomenal Organic team have the full love and support of the entire Havas Village wrapped around her as she faces this challenge.”
“The outpouring of support Annabelle has received from across our Havas family and clients is a testament to the esteem and affection with which she is held across our industry. We know Organic will continue to thrive under Sarah’s leadership while Annabelle focuses on what’s most important right now.”
Gigliotti launched Organic into the Australian market in 2021. Since then, she has grown the business into a formidable force specialising in the business of entertainment, PR, social, influencer, partnerships and events, with current clients including Netflix Australia, Sony Pictures Entertainment, NBC Universal Pictures.
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