The Marketing Academy Australia reveals the 30 Scholars for the 2025 Scholarship Program
Following an extensive and competitive three-stage selection process, The Marketing Academy Australia has unveiled the 30 marketing executives chosen to participate in the 2025 Scholarship Program. Representing client-side brands, media owners, agencies, and start-ups, these exceptional individuals have earned a place in one of the industry’s most prestigious development programs.
After celebrating their 10th year last year with a party that went down in marketing history, the Australian Scholarship Program has built a legacy of shaping future business leaders, with over 310 alumni who frequently describe the experience as ‘transformational.’ The program is a fully-funded yet highly selective development experience designed to harness the collective wisdom of C-suite executives and prepare Scholars for leadership roles at the board level.
This year’s Scholars will benefit from an unparalleled curriculum that includes one-to-one mentoring with some of the industry’s most influential leaders. The esteemed lineup of mentors includes Jo Boundy, CMO, CBA; Anubha Sahasrabuddhe, CMO, Lion; Brent Smart, CMO, Telstra; Amanda McVay, CCO, The Coles Group; Margie Reid, CEO, Thinkerbell; Martin Brown, Director, eBusiness, Strategy & Marketing, Nestle Australia; Jenni Dill, CMO, The Arnott’s Group; Susan Coghill, CMO, Tourism Australia; Peter Horgan, CEO, Omnicom Media Group; Mark Coad, CEO, IPG Mediabrands; Sally Spriggs, Group Marketing Director, Yum! Restaurants.
In addition to mentoring, Scholars will be paired with Executive Coaches, participate in three immersive residential ‘Boot Camps’ featuring inspiring speakers, and attend lectures and masterclasses led by renowned experts from around the world. Each Scholar will also receive places for their teams and colleagues to enrol in ‘The Marketing Academy Virtual Campus,’ an online development program designed to extend learning beyond the Scholarship.
Sherilyn Shackell, Founder & Global CEO of The Marketing Academy, said: ‘The Marketing Academy Australia continues to be inspired by the exceptional talent emerging in our industry. As we look ahead, we remain committed to empowering the next generation of marketing leaders, providing them with the skills, mentorship, and community to thrive in this ever-evolving landscape. This program is made possible by our incredible sponsors, mentors, executive coaches, and speakers, and we are deeply grateful for their unwavering support in shaping the future of industry leadership.’
Reflecting on the program, Anshika Grover, 2018 Scholar, AUS Alumni Council Chair shared ‘The scholarship leadership program gave me the gift of introspection – time to embrace vulnerability, learn, and grow alongside brilliant leaders. The program really shapes the exceptional leaders of tomorrow, and since completing the program in 2018, I’ve loved seeing these leaders grow and make an impact’
Leandro Perez 2021 Scholar & 2023 Fellow said, ‘Returning to Australia after a decade in Silicon Valley, The Marketing Academy Scholarship was pivotal in re-establishing my connection with the local Australian marketing community. The program’s comprehensive curriculum, emphasising personal development and purpose, fosters an environment that literally mints change-makers—it truly is one of a kind. I eagerly anticipate the impact this year’s cohort will have on the world.’
The Marketing Academy Australia 2025 Scholarship Program is made possible through the generous support of it’s sponsors, including Salesforce, Google, CBA, NRMA Insurance, Thinkerbell, Optus and Coles.
Here’s the list of The Marketing Academy Australia Scholarship Class of 2025:
· Adam Burling, Director Brand Marketing, Optus
· Alin Dobrea, Marketing Director, Global Fashion Group
· Amanda Fiddes, Chapter Lead, Owned Media & Marketing Channels, Commonwealth Bank Australia
· Anna Hodgson, Co-Founder & CEO, Scooter
· Casey Schweikert, Creative Director, BMF Australia
· Cleo Posa, Managing Director, Liquid Ideas
· Gemma Dawkins, National Head of Digital, PHD Australia
· Jackie Sue, Assistant Vice President Marketing Director , TJX Australia (TK Maxx)
· Jacqui Purcell , National Head of Planning, Starcom Australia
· Jo Foy, Head of Brand Media & Partnership Marketing, Wesfarmers, OneDigital
· Kinga Papp, Head of Group Brand and Advertising, Domain Group
· Kirt Daunt, Head of Marketing – Telstra Business, Telstra
· Laura Stevenson, Executive Head Thinker, Thinkerbell
· Leah Ferris , Head of Consumer Marketing, YouTube, Apps and Platforms, Google
· Luke Farrell, Executive Manager, Marketing Operations and Partnerships, NRMA Insurance (IAG)
· Matt Morgan, Managing Director, lowercase advisory
· Matt Tovey , Head of Marketing – Performance, eCommerce and Content, Coles Group
· Miles Thomas, Associate Director Brand & Communications ANZ Meal Kits, HelloFresh Group
· Naomi Gorringe , Head of Marketing, Southern Cross Austereo
· Naomi Young, Senior Content Strategy Lead , Salesforce
· Nichole Provatas, Executive Vice Preident, International Head of Intergrated Marketing, WE Communications
· Olia Krivtchoun, Chief Client Service Officer, Spark Foundry Australia
· Rachel Druce, National Marketing Manager, Chatime Group
· Rachel Semmens, Senior Manager, Brand Marketing, Stellantis
· Rebecca Chan, Senior Marketing Manager and Global Brand Lead, Chocolate, The Arnott’s Group
· Ruben Ahmed , Director of Marketing, HP Inc
· Taylor Svarc , National Head of Transformation, OMD Australia
· Tori Lopez , Managing Director, Special Australia
· Troy Pearce, Head of Brand Marketing, NOVA Entertainment
· Yuta Kobayashi, Head of Brand, Advertising and PR, Sportsbet
Full details of the Scholars, Alumni, Mentors, Coaches and Selection Panel can be found at www.themarketingacademy.org/au
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