Convergence managing partner, Leigh Harris has 20 years experience in PR consultancy, corporate communications, and TV journalism and production. In addition to her management responsibilities Leigh acts as overall quality control manager for all Convergence clients nationally.
Leigh brings a valuable blend of right and left brain thinking to client projects, capable of delivering both big picture and creative input at the same time as she is being a pedant dotting every ‘i’ and ‘t’. She is strategic director for Convergence clients AMI Insurance, Izone Southern Business Hub, Scenic Hotel Group, and the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists.
A corporate communications specialist, Leigh has written numerous annual reports in the course of her career. She brings a high attention to detail to each client project and enjoys simplifying complex and often highly technical information.
Leigh regularly assists corporate leaders to put their best foot forward publicly, undertaking tailored presentation and media training sessions for clients. With a background in television reporting and presenting, she is adept at building clients' confidence and preparing them for speeches, media interviews and other situations requiring strong personal presentation skills. She is a co-presenter of Convergence’s two-day training seminars on media training, crisis and issues management delivered as part of the University of Auckland Business Schools’ short courses programme, as well as annual media training seminars Lincoln University’s Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme. Leigh's TV experience is also invaluable for video production and other projects requiring visual solutions.
Prior to establishing Convergence with Erin Jamieson, Leigh was communications manager for international brand marketer, Wools of New Zealand, where she was responsible for stakeholder communication and communicating with international staff and media in relation to the organisation’s $55M annual marketing initiatives. While at the helm she implemented a publicity campaign for Wools of New Zealand’s sponsorship of the first ‘New Zealand Four’ catwalk show at London Fashion Week – a joint show by Zambesi, World, Nom*D and Karen Walker. Her efforts were Highly Commended in the 1999 PRINZ Awards.
Her preferred work tends to involve strategic advisory, complex project management, media and presentation training, and (as a result of her recent IAP2 training) advising on projects that require public participation and carefully considered communications with local communities.
Qualifications and Achievements
- APR (professional accreditation in PR by the Public Relations Institute of NZ)
- MPRINZ (Member, Public Relations Institute of NZ)
- Highly Commended, 1999 PRINZ Awards for Wools of New Zealand’s ‘NZ Four’ Catwalk Show at London Fashion Week
- Member, Institute of Directors
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, University of Canterbury
- Certificate in Broadcasting Journalism (with Special Commendation), CPIT
- IAP2 Certificate in Public Participation – the International Association for Public Participation