Keith's background in communications spans broadcasting, journalism and corporate relations. His media career began 40 years ago in Papua New Guinea where he worked as a journalist, later managing government radio stations in the political hotspots of Rabaul and Bougainville.
During the 1970s Keith undertook a range of communications development roles as an executive in the PNG Broadcasting Commission, UNESCO broadcasting adviser in Indonesia and the Maldives Republic and director of broadcasting projects and training programs in India, the Philippines, Indonesia and Fiji.
Back in Australia, Keith was foundation manager of two public radio stations (2ARM-FM Armidale and 2SER-FM Sydney) and became inaugural president of the Public Broadcasting Foundation. In 1983, he stood unsuccessfully for the Labor Party in the Federal seat of Mackellar.
After the 1983 election, Keith lectured in mass communication at the International Training Institute (Department of Foreign Affairs) where he was later appointed Deputy Principal. In 1985 he returned to the ABC as General Manager of the new corporate relations department, responsible for government, media and community relations. In 1988, he joined public relations firm Mojo Corporate as Principal Consultant before resigning to establish his own practice.
Keith's academic qualifications include a BA in economics and political science and a graduate diploma in management. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and was the first Australian board member of the Issue Management Council (USA). His professional interests are in issues management, corporate strategy and organisational communication.
He was awarded the Independence Medal in 1976 to recognise his contribution to broadcasting in Papua New Guinea and became a Member of the Order of Australia in 2004 for services to management and training in media, communication and public relations and services to non-commercial broadcasting. He has written widely on management and communications, including Manage By The Moment on commission from UNESCO, published in English and Indonesian editions.