R/GA launches government practice in Australia

The Australian arm of R/GA has launched a new government practice, in conjunction with landing the federal government as its first client.

In a statement announcing the launch, the global creative design and digital consultancy states that the new practice will be focused on supporting government in creating a more “human future”.

In creating a more human future, R/GA says that the government wing will serve to bridge the gap between public policy and citizen engagement by focusing on emerging consumer attitudes and behaviours while leveraging its capabilities across brand, communications, experience, data and technology.

Noting this blend of capabilities – the strategic thinking of a consultancy paired with product design and creative agency nous – freshly appointed practice leader Tish Karunarathna said: “It is essential that the government sees creativity as a transformational tool to orchestrate human experiences.”

Karunarathna joins R/GA after spending the past fifteen months as a director with Deloitte, before which he was a client partner at Merkle – a role he carried over from Dentsu’s digital agency Isobar, where he altogether served for five years. Earlier, Karunarathna was the head of digital for the Capital Training Institute, and a digital development manager at Fairfax, spending six years between both.

While at Deloitte, Karunarathna led the integration of the firm’s digital capability across consulting practices and technology alliances to better serve the needs of its federal government clients, with the Department of Defence, Services Australia, Qantas, and University of Western Sydney among previous engagements. His work has received numerous accolades, including global Good Design and Clios.

“Tish has led award-winning brand, customer and technology transformation programs across government, enterprise, and start-ups,” said R/GA Australia senior vice president Michael Titshall. “More than ever before governments need to adapt to changing societal expectations at speed. Tish has a track record of leading ground-breaking work and a deep understanding of Australia’s public sector.”

R/GA intends to build a large-scale team to serve government clients in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.