Strategic communications and reputation consultancy Sound Story has appointed Jono Harrison as General Manager, strengthening its senior leadership capabilities for clients.
Harrison brings close to two decades of experience spanning media, music, technology and culture – a rare combination that better positions Sound Story to support clients navigating an increasingly complex communications landscape. Harrison starts in the role today and is based in Sydney.
He joins Sound Story following senior roles at some of the world’s most influential media, music and technology brands, including Universal Music Group, Spotify, Mushroom Group and triple j.
Most recently, Harrison was General Manager, Media & Audience at Universal Music Australia, where he led media and audience strategy. Prior to that, he spent five years at Spotify AUNZ leading artist and label partnerships, was an Executive Producer at triple j and led radio and streaming strategy at Mushroom Group. He also advises the Centre for Arts, Sports and Technology on culture, innovation and policy.
Jake Challenor, Managing Partner at Sound Story, said: “Jono’s appointment marks a step-change in how we support our clients, lifting the level of senior counsel and capability we provide as they navigate growth, change and increasing complexity – bolstering our ability to deliver even sharper strategy and impact.
“Sound Story’s clients are operating in a world where media, culture, technology and policy are converging faster than ever. Jono has sat inside all of it – from national broadcasters to global streaming platforms – and understands how audiences actually engage today. Ultimately, that means stronger outcomes for the brands and leaders we work with across the creative industries.”
In this role, Harrison will work closely with Challenor, plus Managing Partner Brian Lawlor, Communications Director Jane Elliott and Head of Corporate Communications Zanda Wilson. He will oversee business growth and performance, elevate client and team leadership, and drive innovation across the business.
Jono Harrison, General Manager at Sound Story, said: “Having worked client-side with Sound Story, I’ve seen firsthand how the team operates — strategically sharp, deeply connected to the industries they work in, and genuinely trusted by clients. That’s exactly why the business has grown so quickly, and I’m excited to help lead the next phase of growth and bring my experience to clients.
“Sound Story really is in the middle of it all. They operate at the intersection of music, media, technology and policy — where the conversations and decisions shaping the next decade are happening. I’m excited to work with Jake, Brian, Jane, Zanda and the broader team to help build the next phase of the business.”
Harrison’s arrival forms part of a broader Sydney expansion for Sound Story, with Kiana Harvey also joining as Senior Publicist and Maddie Koczanowski promoted to Operations & Projects Lead in April.
Together, these appointments further strengthen Sound Story’s ability to deliver senior counsel, operational depth, and high-performance execution at scale, while rounding out the consultancy’s growing east coast footprint across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and South East Queensland. The expanded Sound Story team brings together a brains trust of strategists, journalists, and future-focussed storytellers with deep vertical expertise, supporting clients across the creative industries.
Challenor added: “We’re building a business that reflects where our clients are heading, not where the industry has been. This is about investing in senior talent, strengthening our systems and continuing to innovate, so we can deliver deep work that cuts through and stands up over time.”
