Our team

Phil Martin - Managing Director

Phil has been leading the Michels Warren team as Managing Director since 2003. His experience and understanding of the importance of brand has seen him win PR awards for marketing communication, corporate communication and issues management across diverse fields including health, utilities, government and sport.

His clients include a number of major brands including Adelaide Oval, EBOS, Power and Water, the Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association and Commercial & General.

Prior to working in public relations, Phil spent more than 12 years as a journalist for a number of media organisations in Australia and overseas including Network Ten, the Seven Network and Sky News in London. Phil graduated from the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Arts Journalism. He is a Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of Australia (SA).

Susan Harrington - Director

Susan is an experienced broadcast journalist, having worked extensively both in Australia and overseas. Her former roles include TV news producer, reporter and chief-of-staff at Channel 9, Channel 7 and ABC Adelaide as well as Visnews, BBC and Reuters TV in London.

She now works as a consultant, specialising in directing and producing videos for broadcast or corporate use. Susan directed and produced a one-hour documentary called 'The Greatest Air Race', narrated by former NASA astronaut Andy Thomas, which aired on SBS in December 2019. She also spent time as an award-winning writer at Adelaide Hills Magazine.

When she’s not working on video projects, Susan’s skills and experience are put to good use as one of Michels Warren’s senior media training consultants.

Kristy Macfarlane - Account Director

Kristy joined Michels Warren in 2005 and her current clients include the Adelaide Oval, Walker Corporation, Commercial & General and Country SA PHN.

Having worked with clients in a diverse range of sectors, including retail, government, not-for-profit and health, she is well-versed on a broad range of topics and their public relations requirements. She has significant experience in issues management as well as the development of communications strategies and event management.

Kristy is a former Councillor for the Public Relations Institute of Australia (SA). She holds a Bachelor of Media from the University of Adelaide and a Postgraduate Diploma in Communications (Public Relations) from the University of South Australia.

Renato Castello - Senior Consultant

Renato brings a wealth of experience built over more than two decades as an accomplished print and digital journalist in Adelaide and London.

He was most recently a senior reporter with The Advertiser and Sunday Mail newspapers, where he also served as a chief of staff and senior business reporter. For nearly two years he reported for the Mirror Group covering London's financial district Canary Wharf.

His career has afforded him valuable insight of contemporary issues, the power of succinct communications and the ability to distil complex information and concepts.

Renato holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of South Australia. He is married with two school-aged children. He likes gardening and tries to play golf when he can.

Alexandra Green - Consultant

Alexandra joined the Michels Warren team in 2017 with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Media from the University of Adelaide. She is a skilled writer and communicator, working with clients such as Oval Hotel, Racing SA, the Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association and Seymour College.

She has experience across a number of sectors, informing her ability to project manage, meet client needs and engage with stakeholders across industries.

Her comprehensive knowledge of all things social media mean Alexandra also oversees and manages social media platforms and digital campaigns for a number of Michels Warren clients.

Ben Filosi - Consultant Support

As the newest addition to the Michels Warren team, Ben assists our public relations consultants with everything from copywriting and media engagement to research and video production. With a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Media (Marketing) from the University of Adelaide, Ben is a strong communicator and well-versed in different media platforms.

Ben is a keen writer and sports fan, often spending his weekends writing SANFL match reports for the Adelaide Crows or articles for popular sports blog, The Inner Sanctum.

Millie Martin - Video Production

Millie has been with Michels Warren since 2017, first as part of our media training team and then as public relations Consultant Support. She is an experienced videographer and content producer, having previously worked for SANFL and at Sky News as a part-time producer and videographer.

She shoots and edits videos for our corporate clients as a member of the Michels Warren production team, while also working alongside our media training division to film as-live television press conference interviews.

Millie is currently studying a Bachelor of Media, majoring in Journalism at the University of Adelaide.

Lesley High - Senior Designer

Lesley graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Visual Communication and Graphic Design from TafeSA in 2005, achieving Dux of the Class and the Best Graduate Award from the Adelaide Advertising & Design Club (AADC). ​

She worked for News Limited and numerous design studios in Adelaide for nine years before starting her own design practice, Lesley High Design. She joined China Shop as a designer in 2014.

She has worked for numerous clients of varying scales within the wine industry, government and business communities.

Jo Koehler - Senior Designer ​

Jo has been working within the design industry in Australia and abroad for the past 30 years. During this time, she has gained extensive experience working across all mediums and across various sectors including government, corporate, not-for-profit, education and health.

Jo has a strong understanding of complex brand challenges and she has an ability to combine a highly strategic approach with the delivery of creative solutions for her clients. Her current clients include Flinders University, Calvary Adelaide Hospital, St Peter's College and Women Safety Services of South Australia.

Jo holds a Bachelor of Design – Visual Communications. She is a member of the Australian Graphic Design Association of Australia and Design Institute of Australia and has been a Graphic Design judge for the Design Institute of Australia for two years.

Laura Wallis - Designer

Laura graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Design - Visual Communications, at the University of South Australia. Previously managing her own design studio, she’s adaptive and has extensive experience across both digital and print design.

Since joining the China Shop team, Laura works with a range of clients within the retail, health and education sectors. Her ability to apply theoretical knowledge and think outside the square allows her to create tailored visual solutions.

Karen Sharp - Business Manager

Karen has been part of the Michels Warren team for 17 years, the last 10 of which have been in the role of Office Manager. Her extensive knowledge of our clients and operations, as well as a keen eye for detail, helps to ensure an efficient and productive workplace.

Karen supports the development of tender submissions and business contracts as well as managing all finance for the business. In addition to this, she oversees HR and staff development needs while also playing an integral part in creating a fun and dynamic working environment.

Working closely alongside Michels Warren Managing Director Phil Martin, Karen’s role is about supporting continued business growth and success while ensuring client servicing is always maintained to the highest standards.

Carol Hayford - Admin, IT & Production

Carol’s is the first smiling face you will see when you arrive at Michels Warren. She joined the team in 2014 as our receptionist, and has since grown her role to include admin, IT and production management.

Carol brings over 20 years of administrative experience to her role, as well as knowledge gained from running her own business. In addition to handling all incoming enquiries and keeping the office running smoothly, Carol oversees print asset production and the Michels Warren office’s IT systems.