RMIT names TBWA + Eleven’s Matt Stoddart as new chair of Advertising Industry Advisory Committee

RMIT has announced Matt Stoddart as the newly appointed chair of the Advertising Industry Advisory Committee. In this role, he will head a team of leading industry professionals as they advise and inform the Bachelor and Master of Advertising degree programs at RMIT.

Stoddart, who is the executive creative director at TBWA\Melbourne and Eleven, brings over 20 years’ experience working across the communications landscape. Prior to this, Stoddart held senior roles at McCann and Clemenger BBDO. He has led creative projects for a slew of brands including NAB, Adidas, Google, Nissan and more recently Asahi. Stoddart’s work has been recognised by all major global creative showcases including Cannes Lions, D&AD and Effie Awards.

As chair, Stoddart brings creativity, vision and enormous energy to the advisory committee, staff, students and programs at RMIT. His passion for mentoring the next generation of creatives has led him to tutor advertising students at the Melbourne Award School Program, as well as the Young Australian Direct Marketing Committee. He also co-founded TBWA\Melbourne and TBWA\Adelaide’s entry level internship program ‘Fresh Fries’ in 2018.

Says Stoddart: “What an absolute honour to be stepping into the role of chair of the IAC. RMIT’s students will be shaping the future of our industry, so naturally I’m buzzing to play a role in fostering their creative development. Esther, Stef and Daniel have certainly set the bar high. I’m excited to get stuck in.”

Says Esther Clerehan, former chair (2015-2019): “Matt is an outstanding industry leader. He has been a massive supporter of young talent throughout his career and is regarded as one of the most talented and accomplished ECDs in the business. His experience and influence will be of enormous benefit to the RMIT IAC.”

The current RMIT Advertising Industry Advisory Committee members are Matt Stoddart (TBWA) Sarah McGregor (dentsu) Tom Ward (Strategy Consultant) Lucy King-Griffin (Creative Consultant) Paul Arena (Ogilvy) Jo de Fina (Otto) Fiona Finn (RMIT) Bruno Schivinski (RMIT) Lisa Waller (RMIT).

Stoddart takes over the role from Daniel Pizzato who served as chair of the IAC for 2.5 years and on the Committee for 5 years.

Says Pizzato: “I am very proud of the partnership the IAC has forged with the faculty at RMIT, particularly throughout covid and in the development of the progressive new program. Matt is a considered and generous creative leader that I know will ensure the Committee continues to provide insight, connection, and support to the University and our industry’s next generation.”

Stoddart and the IAC have collaborated closely with the RMIT academic team to craft an innovative advertising major. This ground-breaking program is set to launch in 2024, as an integral component of the new Bachelor of Professional Communication.