Keith is Chairman of Jackson Wells and Adjunct Professor of Journalism and Communication at the University of Queensland.
His background in communication spans broadcasting, journalism and public relations. His media career began 45 years ago in Papua New Guinea where he worked as a producer and journalist and managed government radio stations in the political hotspots of Rabaul and Bougainville.
During the 1970s Keith undertook a range of communication 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, he 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 responsible for government, media and community relations. In 1988, he joined public relations firm Mojo as Principal Consultant before establishing 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 and was the first Australian board member of the US Issue Management Council. 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.
He is a past President of the PNG Association of Australia and Chairman of the Montevideo Maru Memorial Committee.