Michael Crutcher - Founder & CEO
Michael founded 55 comms in October 2013 to help clients to tell their stories in a rapidly changing world. Michael has helped clients to achieve goals in strategic communications across multiple industries. He has helped clients of all types, from listed companies to government departments, religious institutions, schools, not-for-profit organisations and professional sports teams.
Michael bases his insights on his many years at the forefront of Queensland's media industry. Michael was the editor of The Courier-Mail, Queensland’s largest source of news and information, from 2010-2013. Michael was responsible for all of The Courier-Mail’s publications, steering the state’s largest team of journalists through the devastating 2011 floods, the 2012 state election landslide and the rise and fall of two prime ministers. Michael was appointed editor of The Courier-Mail at age 35 after stints as the newspaper's deputy editor, chief of staff and investigations editor. Michael set up and ran the newspaper’s award-winning investigative unit, receiving a Queensland Media Award for investigative work.
Michael began as a cadet journalist with Quest Community Newspapers before moving to the Townsville Bulletin and then on to national wire service Australian Associated Press. Michael’s experience across all levels of print and digital media, across all platforms and at executive level is rare among Australian journalists. His extensive experience as a sportswriter included coverage of two Olympic Games and six Australian cricket tours overseas.
Michael is a regular media commentator for outlets including ABC Radio.
Outside of 55 comms, Michael is a director of Norths Devils Rugby League Football Club.
Ainsley Pavey - Executive Director
Ainsley is a partner at 55 comms. Ainsley has developed a close rapport with her clients, specialising in sectors including aged care, education and government.
Ainsley was a senior journalist for The Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail for a decade after leading courts coverage for national wire service Australian Associated Press in Queensland. Ainsley’s career has given her a unique perspective on Queensland’s media scene. Ainsley was at the coalface of The Courier-Mail’s move into digital journalism. Her work was published on all platforms for The Courier-Mail – newspaper, online, tablet and mobile editions – and her work also regularly appeared in the nation’s largest newspapers including Melbourne’s Herald Sun and Sydney’s Daily Telegraph. Ainsley’s career in the fast-moving world of metropolitan journalism gave her an invaluable insight into how the nation’s largest media outlets are adapting to new technology. She was among the earliest adopters of new media, winning one of the first Queensland Media Awards for online journalism.
Ainsley co-ordinates 55 comms’ training programs, working with clients on their presentation skills and interview techniques. Ainsley brings her expertise from her work as an actress, including training at the National Institute of Dramatic Art.
Ainsley has talents critical to the success of organisations that rely on communications – working quickly and accurately but without forsaking attention to detail.
Greg Kemp - Senior Consultant
Greg Kemp is experienced across metropolitan and regional media in Queensland. From 2011 to 2019, Greg worked at The Courier-Mail in roles including Deputy Sports Editor for five years and then in general news as Assistant Night Editor. Prior to those roles, Greg filled senior positions at the likes of The Sunday Mail, Gold Coast Bulletin and former commuter paper mX, based in Melbourne. Since leaving mainstream media, Greg has developed further skills in corporate communications roles. He has a strong understanding of the needs of mainstream media, particularly in a changing media environment.
Mark Cranitch - Photographer/Videographer
Mark Cranitch is based in Brisbane where he has spent 25 years as a photographer for Queensland Newspapers, specialising in photography and film for features and magazines. A photography graduate from the Queensland College of Art, Mark is highly regarded in the creative industry. He is known for his calm, professional approach and expertise across a range of genres. He draws on these strengths to create and produce photographs and videos for editorial, commercial and corporate uses across business, architecture, interiors, fashion and food among other areas.
Photography has defined Mark’s work since his school days. As well as providing professional services, Mark pursues his own artistic interests in building an ongoing portfolio of photographs that can be viewed on his Instagram page.
He has travelled extensively for work and is available to provide photographic and video services throughout Australia. Mark has access to a full range of photographic and video equipment and is skilled in setting up and directing a range of shoots.
Darius Boyd - Presenter
Darius Boyd became a client of 55 comms in 2015 when he was playing rugby league with the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Australia. During that time, Darius worked on becoming an advocate for positive mental health.
Darius retired from rugby league at the end of the 2020 season, ending a career that included 15 seasons, two NRL premierships and nine State of Origin series wins. He now shares his insights into positive mental health with corporate clients through his “I” in Team program. 55 comms facilitates these workshops with Darius, combining to deliver effective and engaging presentations tailored for each audience.
Darius continues to live in Brisbane with his wife Kayla and three daughters. He also continues to work with the Brisbane Broncos in their extensive community programs.