Luke Forrestal joins GRA Partners

GRA Partners has appointed former Australian Financial Review journalist and Fortescue Metals Group adviser Luke Forrestal to the role of Director, Financial Communications.

An experienced and highly regarded communications professional, Forrestal most recently established a successful Western Australian practice for an eastern states-based investor relations and corporate communications firm.

Since departing the AFR in late 2013, he has provided strategic communications and investor relations advice to listed and private companies including Fortescue, BGC Contracting, Macmahon Holdings, Ramelius Resources, De Grey Mining, Salt Lake Potash and Arafura Resources.

GRA Partners Managing Partner Jason Marocchi said Forrestal was the ideal candidate to lead the firm’s financial communications practice.

Marocchi said: “Luke is exceptionally well connected and well regarded within Perth and national business circles and his wealth of experience and professional manner have led to him becoming a trusted and sought-after adviser.”

“His appointment is an important one in terms of expanding GRA Partners’ client offering, to the point where it now closely mirrors that of our national partner, GRACosway, on the east coast of Australia.”

The addition of financial communications expands GRA Partners’ successful communications arm, complementing the established and growing corporate communications practice led by Director Stacey Molloy.

Forrestal’s appointment also extends a recent period of growth for GRA Partners, with Tania Durlik (Associate Director, Corporate Communications) and Liz Vivian (Associate Director, Government Relations) both joining the firm in May.

GRA Partners is majority owned by Clemenger Group company GRACosway – Australia’s leading public affairs and corporate and financial communications counsel. Chairman Hon Eric Ripper AM heads up the local partnership, along with Marocchi and Partner Amanda Reid.