Australian industry association leaders innovate and unite media and marketing sectors
Industry association leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of their sectors, navigating challenges, and championing the interests of diverse stakeholders. In Australia, a cohort of exceptional executives is driving significant positive change across media, marketing, and advertising, standing out for their strategic vision, advocacy, and influence.
At the forefront is Josh Faulks, chief executive of the Australian Association of National Advertisers. Leading the body that represents the most powerful voice of advertisers, Faulks combines sharp intellect and charismatic leadership to advance the profession. His recent initiatives include the successful RESET conference, launching new guidelines on children’s advertising, brand safety, and greenwashing. Through his measured voice, he has urged marketers to appreciate the value of advertising amid the challenging cost-of-living crisis, reinforcing his standing not only as a leader but as a relatable figure within industry circles.
Sophie Madden, CEO of the Media Federation of Australia, stands out for her transformative leadership over a 12-year tenure. With a background spanning agencies and global brands, Madden has spearheaded initiatives centered on psychosocial safety, sustainability, ethical AI, and media effectiveness. Industry insiders praise her selflessness, strategic patience, and ability to unite a competitive sector around shared purposes such as the “We Are The Changers” initiative. Madden’s work is widely leveraged by other industry bodies, underscoring her commitment to advancing the sector collaboratively.
In digital media, Gai Le Roy, chief executive of IAB Australia since 2018, is recognised for consistent and astute leadership. Overseeing a sector generating more than $16 billion annually, she has cultivated collaboration between digital and traditional media, facilitating thoughtful dialogue at a time when different channels jostle for dominance. Her deep experience in strategy, research, and data underpins IAB’s role as a catalyst for education and innovation within the advertising ecosystem.
The advertising agency sector owes much to Tony Hale, CEO of the Advertising Council Australia (formerly The Communications Council). Having led the organisation for nearly 11 years with a background that includes senior roles at Clemenger BBDO and The Newspaper Works, Hale embodies a vision of nurturing talent and securing the future of the industry. Under his stewardship, the council has relaunched with renewed focus on elevating advertising as a profession, implementing programs to raise standards and reinvigorate confidence in the sector. Notably, in 2024, ACA was named Australia’s official representative to the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, enabling stronger global engagement and showcasing local excellence on the world stage. Hale has also been vocal in advocating for improved gender diversity, underscoring his commitment to cultivating a culture that rejects discrimination.
Bridget Fair, CEO of Free TV since 2018, has distinguished herself as a formidable lobbyist and legal strategist. Her efforts have notably secured a suspension of the commercial broadcasting tax and reforms to prominence regulations, seeking to ensure commercial television’s fairer regulatory treatment compared to digital competitors. Beyond Free TV, Fair holds influential roles including deputy chair of Women in Media and board memberships with OzTAM and the Judith Neilson Institute, highlighting her broad industry engagement.
In outdoor media, Elizabeth McIntyre has led the Outdoor Media Association for over two years, steering key advancements such as the MOVE 2.0 measurement system that enhances audience accuracy translating into stronger sector growth. Her marketing background with global brands like Walt Disney and Ford has informed her progressive leadership in one of Australia's fastest-growing media sectors.
The Independent Media Agencies Association, under Sam Buchanan’s enthusiastic leadership, has transformed representation for over 180 independent agencies nationwide. Buchanan’s advocacy for indies, including pressing for government contract consideration and fostering talent development via the IMAA Academy, has elevated the voice and capabilities of smaller players traditionally overshadowed by larger groups.
Andrea Martens, chief executive at ADMA, has transformed the organisation into a strategic force advancing marketing’s future through regulatory advocacy and education. ADMA’s focus on privacy reform, ethical AI, and data transparency reflects Martens’ bold vision for leadership that moves beyond support to being a pacesetter of professional capability. Initiatives like the Capability Compass and the Global Forum have raised the benchmark for marketing expertise under her direction.
Finally, Lizzie Young’s relatively recent appointment as CEO of Commercial Radio & Audio Australia has quickly made an impact. Her media pedigree, including senior roles at Nine and WeAre8, informs her drive to elevate radio and audio during their digital transition. Her work promoting creative fluency at industry conferences is laying a foundation for sustained growth and relevance.
Together, these leaders exemplify a blend of advocacy, innovation, and community-building that fuels their sectors' resilience and advancement. Their efforts reflect the dynamic nature of Australian media and marketing industries and the critical role that effective industry associations play in supporting and nurturing their members amid evolving challenges and opportunities.