11-12 November 2026 | Crown Melbourne

The Future of Marketing STARTS HERE

Innovate, Create, Connect, Inspire

The marketing landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. Evolving technologies, changing consumer expectations, and volatile economic conditions are pushing leaders to adapt, and fast. Those who embrace change, ignite their creativity, and deliver strategies with real impact will define success and set themselves apart in Australia’s fiercely competitive marketplace.

The future begins at the 12th annual Marketing Leaders 2026, Australia’s essential event for marketing professionals. Join us and walk away with actionable insights that tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges. This event is built around brand strategy, tactics, and data insights, equipping professionals with the tools, innovative vision, and connections needed to optimise operations, boost engagement, and drive enterprise growth. 

2026 Speakers

Patricia Corsi

Chief Growth Officer

Kimberly Clark (Switzerland)
JUST ANNOUNCED

Jana Kotatko

Chief Marketing Officer & Retail Executive

Telstra

Jana leads Telstra’s Retail business, which includes a team of over 5,000 passionate high-achievers committed to a customer-focused culture that ensures the customer’s voice is heard at all levels of the organisation.

Jana joined Telstra in 2017 and has since held a number of senior leadership roles, including CEO of Belong, Executive for Customer Value Management, and Executive for Fixed Products.

She brings more than two decades of experience across telecommunications and consumer services, with a strong background in marketing, brand and customer value leadership. Prior to joining Telstra, Jana held senior leadership roles at Vodafone Australia and NRMA, where she led largescale brand and customer transformations, centralised marketing capability, and guided organisations through periods of significant change. Her earlier career includes leadership roles at 3 Mobile Australia and Cable & Wireless UK.

Prior to Telstra, Jana held various leadership positions at NRMA, Vodafone Australia, 3 Mobile Australia, and Cable & Wireless UK.

Jana has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing and Advertising from the University of Technology, Sydney.

Jana is an engaging and authentic leader who believes that culture isn’t just important – it’s everything.

Sian Chadwick

Chief Marketing Officer & General Manager, Retail Brand and Marketing

ANZ

Sian Chadwick joined ANZ as General Manager Marketing, Australia in 2023. Her 20+ year career in Financial Services spans Australia and UK Banking, Payments and Fintech. With experience in Marketing, Digital, Product and Data consulting, Sian champions customer-centric and data-led approaches to enhance brand strategy, portfolio growth and customer experience.

Prior to joining ANZ, Sian held senior leadership roles at American Express in the UK and Australia. She served as the Vice President of Digital Marketing for the International Card business, before leading the Charge Card and Loyalty portfolio in the United Kingdom. Sian then returned to Australia and for five years was the regional B2B CMO, providing B2B and B2C marketing and big data analytics consultancy services to American Express Merchant customers across Asia Pacific. More recently, Sian led Marketing for Westpac Business Bank, and Regional Marketing for IG Group, a FTSE-listed FinTech

David Ohana

Chief Communications & Marketing Officer

United Nations Foundation (US)
INTERNATIONAL

Nic Taylor

Senior Vice President & the Head of LEGO Agency

the LEGO Group (Denmark)
INTERNATIONAL

Nic is a SVP at the LEGO Group and Head of Our LEGO Agency (OLA), the LEGO Group’s internal creative and strategic agency.

Nic has a global advertising career spanning 25 years leading award winning agencies. Prior to joining the LEGO Group, Nic was CEO of Catorce DDB, a global agency headquartered in Barcelona to service the SEAT and Cupra brands globally.

Before joining Catorce, Nic was the CEO of McCann World Group Australia leading a national team and integrated offering across 4 office locations.

Prior to McCann, Nicole was the CEO of DDB Sydney. A highly awarded integrated creative agency recognised for its creative excellence and innovation on Volkswagen, McDonald’s, and Sydney Opera House.

Nic is highly regarded by the industry for her integrity, very collaborative style, and the strong relationships that she builds both internally and externally. She is a passionate advocate for diversity and has Board experience for industry and charity organisations.

Alex Schellenberger

Chief Brand & Marketing Officer

Mandarin Oriental (HK)
INTERNATIONAL

Alex is a seasoned leader with almost two decades of extensive branding, marketing, and commercial experience. He commenced his career at Procter & Gamble with various assignments across different geographies, including the Prestige Division, where he elevated the Hugo Boss fragrance line. Subsequently, he held senior executive positions steering transformative marketing and communication initiatives to redefine and reposition beauty and luxury goods brands at companies like Coty, Braun, and Swarovski. Most recently, Alex served as Global Chief Marketing Officer for Accor, based in Paris, where he pioneered brand equity and rejuvenation across Accor’s portfolio of hospitality brands. Alex is a German national with extensive experience living in both Europe and Asia and is based at the Group’s Head Office in Hong Kong.

Adam Jacka

General Manager Marketing - Brand, Campaigns, Activation & IHA

7-Eleven

Kellie Hush

CEO Australia Fashion Week

Australian Fashion Council

Kellie Hush is one of Australia’s most influential voices in fashion, with 30 years of experience across media, brand strategy, and fashion innovation. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s BAZAAR Australia, a role she held for six years, where she led the magazine through a dynamic era of storytelling that championed both established and emerging designers, while shaping the cultural conversation around Australian fashion.

She is co-founder and Chief Brand and Strategy Officer of Seamlist Global, a pioneering circular fashion technology platform that creates digital product passports for garments – enabling full traceability, authentication, and resale transparency across the fashion supply chain. Seamlist represents Hush’s ongoing commitment to building the infrastructure for a truly circular fashion economy.

Hush is also a co-founder of The Volte, which has grown to become the world’s largest peer-to-peer luxury fashion rental platform. As Chief Brand and Strategy Officer, she has positioned The Volte at the forefront of the global re-commerce revolution. Under her leadership, the platform expanded internationally in 2025, combining cutting-edge technology with circular fashion principles to transform the way people access and experience designer fashion.

Hush is a co-founding director of the Australian Fashion Council and was appointed CEO of Australian Fashion Week in 2025, where she is leading the event’s reinvention under the AFC’s stewardship. She has served as Acting CEO of the AFC and previously sat on the Board of Directors at the Melbourne Fashion Festival.

Beyond her executive leadership, Hush is a trusted brand strategist and consultant to leading fashion and corporate clients, including Carla Zampatti and Macquarie Group. She sits on the boards of M.J. Bale and The Best Group, and was formerly a Trustee of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, where she spearheaded the acclaimed Zampatti Powerhouse exhibition in 2022. Her past board work also includes roles with the Royal Hospital for Women Foundation and as a Governor of the St George Foundation.

Kellie Hush’s career reflects a deep commitment to driving sustainable innovation, elevating Australian creativity on the global stage, and challenging traditional models of fashion consumption.

Abigail Forsyth

Co-Founder & Managing Director

KeepCup

Amanda Green

General Manager of Digital & Innovation (Global)

Treasury Wine Estates
JUST ANNOUNCED

With over two decades of global experience, Amanda is a powerhouse in digital transformation and eCommerce. Consistently ranked among the top 50 eCommerce talents in the industry, she has spent her career revolutionizing digital strategies across both B2B and B2C landscapes.

From scaling eCommerce for Nike in Europe and Australia to driving digital overhauls at L’Oréal and Laminex, Amanda excels at guiding heritage brands into the modern digital era. Currently, she serves as the General Manager for Digital & Innovation at Treasury Wine Estates, where she leads the global charge into innovative MarTech and digital luxury.

Tim Snape

Chief Brand Officer

Heaps Normal

Nick Atkinson

Senior Marketing Director

Nike

Oonagh Flanagan

Chief Marketing Officer

Webjet Group

Christelle Young

Managing Director

T2 Tea

Christelle Young is an innovative and results-driven executive with over 20 years of leadership in strategy, transformation, data analytics, AI, and technology. Currently serving as Managing Director at T2 Tea, a B Corp-certified company, she leads the charge in elevating everyday rituals and the art of living, through 100% sustainably sourced tea done differently. Christelle is dedicated to driving a purpose-led brand with sustainable growth, modernizing the brand, elevating AI into retail operations, and expanding its reach.

Previously, as Chief Data & Analytics Officer at L’Oréal, Christelle delivered transformative business outcomes across 33 countries, creating multimillion-euro value through advanced analytics and operational maturity. Her versatile career also spans corporate strategy, organizational redesign, and interim leadership as GM of Finance OTC at Toll Group, where she spearheaded large-scale finance and shared services transformations.

Recognized as a thought leader, Christelle is a sought-after speaker and media contributor on analytics, technology, and innovation. She has co-authored influential tools like the Kearney Analytics Impact Index and served as an advisor to the Melbourne Business School Centre for Business Analytics, shaping the future of education.

Christelle’s foundation in technology, with a Bachelor in IT and a Master of Business Analytics, complements her ability to drive data-led innovation. A passionate advocate for mental health and education, she also serves on nonprofit and academic boards. As a mother of two, she champions inclusive leadership and inspires the next generation to think beyond boundaries.

Rennie Freer

General Manager, Marketing

Kmart
JUST ANNOUNCED

Rennie Freer is the General Manager of Marketing at Kmart and Target.

With more than 20 years of experience in marketing and brand leadership, Rennie has worked for leading Australian and international brands, including MECCA, Nestlé, Kmart and Target.

Her career spans both agency and client-side roles, giving her experience across brand strategy, customer growth, retail marketing and organisational transformation.

Rennie is particularly interested in building strong teams and supporting the development of future leaders.

She is also a Director of the Kids Plus Foundation and Chair of its Strategy and Innovation Committee.

Nicole Bardsley

Head of Marketing ANZ

Uber

Nicole is a highly commercial and innovative senior marketing executive with 20+ years experience delivering brand and customer growth strategies for iconic Australian and international brands across retail, media, telecommunications and financial services. Nicole joined Uber in 2024 as Head of Marketing for ANZ across Uber and Uber Eats and was recognised in the 2026 and 2025 B&T CMO Power List.

Nicole has held senior marketing roles at Cashrewards, Westpac, Virgin Mobile and Foxtel and is a Marketing Academy Alumni after being part of the inaugural Australian Leaders Program in 2015. Throughout her career Nicole has delivered many highly recognisable and awarded marketing campaigns and is known for her ability to build compelling brand strategies and deliver impactful business growth.

Adrian McCaffrey

General Manager Marketing & Digital

Bank of Queensland

Alessia Taddei

Chief Marketing Officer

PepsiCo ANZ Foods

Alessia is a senior marketing leader with a passion for building iconic brands, accelerating growth, and creating meaningful consumer connections.

Alessia joined PepsiCo in 2017 and brings more than 20 years of experience across Marketing, Innovation, Category Management, and Revenue Growth Management, gained through a diverse career with leading global organisations including Ferrero, Reckitt, and Haleon (formerly GSK).

As the PepsiCo ANZ Foods CMO, she leads a high-performing team responsible for brand strategy, innovation, portfolio development, insights, media and marketing transformation across some of the region’s most iconic food brands like Smith’s, Red Rock Deli, Doritos, Bluebird and Obela.

With extensive experience at the intersection of consumer insight, commercial strategy, and creative excellence, Alessia is passionate about translating evolving consumer needs into growth opportunities that strengthen brands and drive business performance.

A strong advocate for evidence-based marketing, Alessia serves on the Board of the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute and is committed to advancing the application of marketing science to drive long-term growth. She believes the most successful brands balance commercial performance with authentic consumer relevance, creating enduring competitive advantage for both businesses and consumers.

Originally from Italy, Alessia has called Sydney home for more than 20 years, where she and her partner are raising their two children.

Heath Walker

Director, Marketing - Australia & New Zealand

General Motors

James Holloman

Chief Marketing Officer

David Jones

Leading a multidisciplinary team, James is focused on ensuring the continuing connection between customer, community and brand. With a career spanning some of the world’s most iconic luxury fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands, James believes that in marketing “creativity and data converge to drive meaningful results.

Eva Barrett

General Manager - Brand, Marketing & Customer Experience

Honda Australia
JUST ANNOUNCED

Joanna Robinson

Chief Customer & Marketing Officer

THE ICONIC

Naomi Driver

General Manager, Marketing

Bupa

Jonathan Goh

Head of Marketing Technology & Orchestration

Medibank

Tamara Howe

Chief Marketing Officer, International Division

SunRice Group

Tamara is the Chief Marketing Officer, International Division at the SunRice Group after joining in 2022 and has over 25 years of FMCG experience with Dairy Farmers, Kellanova, and SunRice. She has worked across Brand Management, Innovation, Corporate Affairs, General Management and R&D across markets including Australia, NZ, the US and Middle East. Tamara holds a Commerce Degree from UNSW and was named a top 20 CMO in 2018 and 2019 by CMO Australia Magazine. Tamara is an Australasian Advisory Board Member for the Ehrenberg Bass Institute of Marketing Science.

Sarah Shimmons

Marketing & Innovations Director

Diageo

Sarah Shimmons has almost 20 years of experience in FMCG marketing, including eight years within the Diageo ecosystem working in Ireland, Great Britain, North America and in Global Travel, including in roles such as Global Marketing Director for Smirnoff and Global Travel Retail Marketing and Innovation Director before moving to Australia as Marketing & Innovation Director in March 2025. Prior to Diageo, Sarah worked at Linwoods Health Foods, Coca-Cola HBC and Bacardi Brown-Forman.

Sarah has a passion for storytelling, innovation, and the end to end consumer journey, championing bold, meaningful marketing and exceptional customer execution across Diageo’s market leading portfolio of brands.

Florence Paoli

Marketing Director ANZ

Reckitt

Nikki Clarkson

Chief Marketing Officer

Victoria Racing Club

Nikki Clarkson is a Chief Marketing Officer and C-suite media and technology executive with a strong track record in brand growth, customer strategy, and data-led transformation within ASX-listed organisations.

As Chief Marketing Officer at the Victoria Racing Club (VRC), Nikki leads the brand and performance marketing, communications, reputation, content, broadcast and community strategies for the Lexus Melbourne Cup Carnival, driving audience growth, brand relevance, and commercial outcomes. In 2025, her team delivered record results, contributing to a $533 million economic impact for Victoria (+6% YoY) and engaging 7.4 million Australians on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day.

Through targeted audience, brand and experience strategies, Nikki has strengthened visitation and demand, attracting over 71,000 interstate and international visitors, while significantly growing younger audiences—attendance among 18–29-year-olds has increased by 49.5% since 2019.

Previously, as Chief Marketing Officer at Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), Nikki led the launch and growth of the LiSTNR digital audio platform, scaling to over two million registered users and a total reach of ten million Aussies in under three years. She transformed the marketing function into a data-led growth engine, optimising SCA’s CDP and martech stack and delivering 60% of attributed business growth from marketing activity along with the brand and go to market strategy for a new business to business initiative the ‘LiSTNR Adtech Hub’ which delivered $53 million in new digital audio revenue.

Nikki has been recognised several times in the CMOTOP50, Mediaweek’s Top 100 Media Executives and many other industry awards and brings deep expertise across brand, digital, customer, and communications strategy, including reputation management in highly regulated environments.

Jonathan Kerr

Chief Growth Officer

Auto & General

As Chief Growth Officer, Jonathan is responsible for business growth at Auto & General, spanning divisions including Marketing, Media & Acquisition, Partnerships, Alliances and Innovation. He is a member of the AGH Board, the Insurance Australia Exco, as well as the Pricing & Underwriting Committee and Customer Committee, having joined the company in 2005. Under Jonathan’s watch, A&G’s lead direct brand, Budget Direct has become Australia’s most award-winning insurer, Australia Insurer of the Year for 10 years in a row and Australia’s fastest growing major Motor and Home insurer for the last 10 years, while also picking up multiple Gold Effies along the way. On the partnership front Jonathan’s Partnership department proudly drives forward A&G’s partnerships with the likes of Qantas, ING and Coles.

A proud Dyslexic, Jonathan has extensive experience in all aspects of marketing, media, digital and customer experience across a number of industry sectors including FMCG, Financial Services, Insurance. Jonathan has over 30 years of experience in senior roles in Australia, the UK and the United States. Prior to commencing his business career, Jonathan was a double Commonwealth Games swimming finalist representing Scotland and an All-American swimmer for the mighty Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Jamie Mckinlay

Senior Vice President, Asia Publishing

EA Sports

Jamie Mckinlay is Senior Vice President, Asia Publishing at EA, where he leads growth strategy, go-to-market, and live service execution across one of the most dynamic regions in global gaming. He has helped run and scale some of the world’s biggest sports entertainment brands, including EA SPORTS FC, combining brand building with the operating discipline required to deliver year-round relevance in a live service world. Known for forging partnerships that expand reach, translating player insight into durable business results, and driving hyper-local content and community at scale, Jamie brings a practical perspective on how global brands stay distinctive across cultures, platforms, and always-on channels.

Yasmina Pinto

Head of Brand

AGL Energy

Yasmina Pinto is an award-winning brand leader with 20 years’ experience transforming some of Australia’s most recognised organisations. As Head of Brand at AGL, she has led major brand transformation initiatives, energy transition campaigns and innovative content partnerships that have helped shape one of Australia’s most recognised brands. Previously Head of Brand at HCF, Yasmina has also lectured in Brand Management at UNSW.

Anthony Dean

Marketing Director

Mars Pet Nutrition

Mel Hopkins

Founder

The Hopkins Effect
EVENT CHAIR

Dan Ferguson

Principal

40:1 Commerce Partners
STREAM CHAIR
Leading
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Networking
Environment
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Content by leaders, for leaders

Our cutting-edge content is carefully researched and curated, leveraging the expertise and insights of Connect Media’s vast network of industry specialists. Timely and uniquely tailored, our programmes ignite innovation, address leading industry challenges, and reveal the skills and tools needed to achieve future-focused business excellence.

Agenda

Day 1 Wednesday, 11 November 2026
8:30 AM
Registration & Networking
9:00 AM
Opening Remarks

Mel Hopkins

Founder

The Hopkins Effect
9:10 AM
Creating Brand Desire in an Age of Infinite Choice

From Customers to Fans: The New Rules of Emotional Brand Building

Drawing on almost two decades shaping and repositioning luxury, beauty and hospitality brands across Europe and Asia, Alex Schellenberger will examine how marketers create emotional preference when consumers face limitless choice and increasingly similar experiences.

Alex Schellenberger

Chief Brand & Marketing Officer

Mandarin Oriental (HK)
9:35 AM
Event Partner Keynote
10:00 AM
Leadership Session

The Commercial Marketer: Driving Growth, Influence & Enterprise Impact

Marketing leaders are expected to protect long-term brand value, deliver immediate commercial results and strengthen their influence across the business. This discussion will focus on the measures, capabilities and cross-functional relationships required to meet that mandate.

  • Defining marketing performance in the language of CEOs, CFOs and enterprise value
  • Balancing brand investment with short-term growth and budget accountability
  • Building the talent, operating models and cross-functional alignment required for greater influence

Sarah Shimmons

Marketing & Innovations Director

Diageo

Jonathan Kerr

Chief Growth Officer

Auto & General

Alessia Taddei

Chief Marketing Officer

PepsiCo ANZ Foods

Joanna Robinson

Chief Customer & Marketing Officer

THE ICONIC

Tamara Howe

Chief Marketing Officer, International Division

SunRice Group
10:40 AM
100 Years Young: Reinventing an Iconic Australian Brand

As Target celebrates 100 years in Australia, Rennie Freer explores how marketers can turn brand heritage into contemporary relevance. She’ll share how Target is building on a century of quality, value and trust, while evolving how the brand connects with Australian families and positioning it for its next 100 years. 

Rennie Freer

General Manager, Marketing

Kmart
11:05 AM
Morning Refreshments & Networking
11:45 AM
Diamond Keynote
12:05 PM
Sport as a Shared Language with Nick Atkinson

Connecting Nike with the Next Generation Across the Pacific

Young people are changing how sport intersects with identity and community, challenging brands to create with them. Nick Atkinson will explore how Nike Pacific connects with the next generation, sustains cultural momentum beyond major sporting moments and prepares its teams for the growing influence of AI on marketing. 

  • Understanding how the next generation relates to sport, identity and community, and what it means to create with rather than market to them 
  • Sustaining cultural momentum around the Matildas and defining the most useful role for brands before, during and beyond major sporting moments 
  • Using AI to strengthen how marketing teams work while developing the skills and human judgement that matter most 

 

Nick Atkinson

Senior Marketing Director

Nike
12:30 PM
Reimagining a Retail Brand Through Creativity, Experience and a Distinctive Point of View

Under Christelle Young, T2 has combined commercial discipline with renewed creative ambition, refocusing its range and creating sensory retail experiences grounded in the colour, craft and rituals that set it apart. Christelle will share how T2 is building on these foundations to shape an innovative next chapter for the brand.

Christelle Young

Managing Director

T2 Tea
12:50 PM
Lunch Welcome Remarks
1:05 PM
Lunch & Networking
1:55 PM
Breakout 1 | Digitally Driven Marketing
Breakout 2 | Creative Storytelling
2:00 PM
Keynote

Eva Barrett

General Manager - Brand, Marketing & Customer Experience

Honda Australia
How to Balance Performance, Experience and Cultural Connection at Scale

Drawing on her experience leading marketing across Uber and Uber Eats in ANZ, Nicole Bardsley will examine how brands can connect commercial performance with customer experience and cultural relevance at scale.

Nicole Bardsley

Head of Marketing ANZ

Uber
2:20 PM
Partner Keynote
Partner Keynote
2:40 PM
Innovation Session

Martech Transformation: Turning Innovation into Enterprise Growth

AI and martech create value only when they are adopted, governed, and embedded in everyday operations. Marketing leaders will consider how to move beyond fragmented tools and build capability that improves performance without adding unnecessary complexity.

  • Operationalising AI and automation without overwhelming teams or weakening brand governance
  • Driving organisation-wide adoption so technology investment translates into performance
  • Prioritising platforms, capabilities and governance when budgets are constrained

Jonathan Goh

Head of Marketing Technology & Orchestration

Medibank

Adrian McCaffrey

General Manager Marketing & Digital

Bank of Queensland

Amanda Green

General Manager of Digital & Innovation (Global)

Treasury Wine Estates
Storytelling Session

Storytelling as a Catalyst: How Brand Narratives Drive Measurable Commercial Outcomes

As channels fragment and attention becomes harder to earn, brand storytelling must work harder to remain distinctive, relevant and commercially credible. The challenge is to preserve authenticity and emotional connection while demonstrating commercial return.

  • Measuring the long-term value of storytelling beyond reach and engagement
  • Cutting through content saturation while protecting authenticity and brand coherence
  • Defending investment in brand narrative alongside short-term performance pressure

Tim Snape

Chief Brand Officer

Heaps Normal

Yasmina Pinto

Head of Brand

AGL Energy

Abigail Forsyth

Co-Founder & Managing Director

KeepCup
3:20 PM
Afternoon Refreshments & Networking
4:00 PM
Platinum Keynote
4:20 PM
The Business of Creativity with Nic Taylor

How the LEGO Group Turns Creativity, Collaboration and Craft into Global Brand Impact

This virtual international interview will explore how the LEGO Group brings creative teams, partners and markets together to deliver globally consistent work without losing the craft, imagination and cultural relevance behind an iconic brand.

  • Building collaboration and creative standards across a global organisation
  • Balancing brand consistency with market relevance and local creative insight
  • Designing agency capability that turns craft and creativity into measurable brand impact

Nic Taylor

Senior Vice President & the Head of LEGO Agency

the LEGO Group (Denmark)
4:45 PM
Marketing as a Commercial Discipline: Building Influence, Accountability and Business Impact

Sian Chadwick’s executive remit across marketing, retail brand and customer experience at ANZ places her at the centre of the commercial marketing agenda. She will set out how the function can strengthen its influence, demonstrate accountability and contribute more directly to enterprise performance.

Sian Chadwick

Chief Marketing Officer & General Manager, Retail Brand and Marketing

ANZ
5:05 PM
Networking Drinks Remarks
5:15 PM
Closing Remarks

Mel Hopkins

Founder

The Hopkins Effect
5:20 PM
Networking Drinks Reception
6:20 PM
Close of Day One
Day 2 Thursday, 12 November 2026
8:45 AM
Registration & Networking
9:00 AM
Opening Remarks

Mel Hopkins

Founder

The Hopkins Effect
9:05 AM
Creative leadership in Practice with Patricia Corsi

How to Lead a Creative Revolution That Delivers Growth
Creativity becomes a force for growth when leaders create the conditions for it to thrive. Patricia Corsi will share what that requires inside an established global organisation, from shifting internal barriers and strengthening partnerships to balancing creative ambition with commercial accountability. 

  • Overcoming the internal barriers that prevent creativity from driving growth 
  • Building high-performing partnerships across internal teams, agencies and external collaborators 
  • Protecting long-term brand value under immediate commercial pressure, and deciding when creative awards justify the investment 

Patricia Corsi

Chief Growth Officer

Kimberly Clark (Switzerland)
9:25 AM
Communicating for Impact When the Stakes Are Human, Urgent and Worldwide

Global challenges can feel distant or overwhelming when their scale and complexity obscure the people affected. Drawing on campaigns across the UN system and beyond, David Ohana explores how communicators can tell clear, human stories that resonate across cultures, build understanding and inspire action.

David Ohana

Chief Communications & Marketing Officer

United Nations Foundation (US)
9:50 AM
Engagement Session

Building Brand Resilience in the Age of AI Saturation

When every organisation can access similar generative tools, differentiation depends on distinctive assets, creative judgement and a brand voice that remains recognisable at scale. The challenge is to harness AI without allowing efficiency to flatten originality.

  • Balancing AI-enabled speed with the creative risk-taking that builds memorable brands
  • Protecting authenticity, intellectual property and distinctive brand assets in an AI-native environment
  • Building the capabilities and operating choices required for creative advantage

Jamie Mckinlay

Senior Vice President, Asia Publishing

EA Sports

Nikki Clarkson

Chief Marketing Officer

Victoria Racing Club

James Holloman

Chief Marketing Officer

David Jones
10:30 AM
Be the Magnet, Not the Mirror: Building a Brand People Want to Move Towards

Leveraging her experience across marketing, retail and customer leadership, Jana Kotatko will explore how brands can set their own direction, create genuine distinction and draw people in.

Jana Kotatko

Chief Marketing Officer & Retail Executive

Telstra
10:55 AM
Diamond Keynote
11:15 AM
Morning Refreshments & Networking
11:55 AM
Building Brand Confidence in a Market Defined by Volatility and Choice

Against a backdrop of economic volatility, abundant choice and fast-changing customer expectations, Oonagh Flanagan will share how brands can sustain confidence, relevance and strategic clarity.

Oonagh Flanagan

Chief Marketing Officer

Webjet Group
12:15 PM
Creative Partnerships Session

The New Agency Model: Speed, Creativity & Performance at Scale

Emerging technology, tighter budgets and higher delivery expectations are changing what brands need from agencies and what belongs in-house. Leaders will unpack how to build faster, more collaborative models, protect creative quality and rethink the role of external partners.

  • Determining which capabilities belong in-house and where agency partnership creates greater value
  • Building faster, more collaborative ways of working while protecting creative quality
  • Rethinking investment and performance measures across brand, creative and media

Anthony Dean

Marketing Director

Mars Pet Nutrition

Adam Jacka

General Manager Marketing - Brand, Campaigns, Activation & IHA

7-Eleven
12:55 PM
Platinum Keynote
1:15 PM
Navigating Legacy and Reinvention with Heath Walker

How to Balance Legacy, Innovation and Customer Expectation in Complex Categories

This conversation will examine how established brands can evolve in complex categories where heritage, product cycles and customer expectations move at different speeds.

  • Protecting valuable brand equity while creating permission to modernise
  • Balancing innovation with the realities of complex products, channels and customer journeys
  • Translating global heritage into relevant local experiences and expectations

Heath Walker

Director, Marketing - Australia & New Zealand

General Motors
1:35 PM
Lunch Welcome Remarks
1:45 PM
Lunch & Networking
2:35 PM
Lessons in Cultural Relevance with Kellie Hush

Leading Creativity in a World Where Trends Move at Cultural Speed

Across three decades in fashion media, brand strategy, technology and industry leadership, Kellie Hush has built and reinvented platforms at the intersection of creativity and culture. She will share what it takes to move with culture while creating enduring commercial value and global relevance.

  • Reading cultural shifts without allowing short-lived trends to dictate strategy
  • Connecting creative storytelling with brand relevance, commercial value and audience experience
  • Reinventing established platforms while elevating Australian creativity on the global stage

Kellie Hush

CEO Australia Fashion Week

Australian Fashion Council
3:00 PM
Silver Keynote
3:20 PM
From Insurer to Holistic Health Partner: How Brand Can Drive Business Transformation

As Bupa brings its businesses together under a single enterprise brand platform, Naomi Driver is helping shape a more connected expression of health. Drawing on the development of “Everything for Health”, she will explore how marketers can align a complex organisation around one customer-led promise, create consistency while remaining relevant across different business areas, and turn a brand platform into an idea that influences communications, experiences and services.

Naomi Driver

General Manager, Marketing

Bupa
3:45 PM
Closing Remarks

Mel Hopkins

Founder

The Hopkins Effect
3:50 PM
Close of Event

Event Pricing

1-2 Delegates

$2195+GST

Per Pass

3-4 Delegates
(10% off)

$1975+GST

Per Pass

5+ Delegates
(15% Off)

$1865+GST

Per Pass

What’s included in my delegate pass
Access to the Full Event Program
Exclusive Networking Opportunities
Executive Insights & Event Content

Delegate registration is strictly for in-house marketing professionals from consumer or government-facing organisations. Please note, service providers are not permitted to attend through standard delegate registration. If you are a Service Provider to marketing executives, please email jackm@connectmedia.com to discuss your involvement.

Registrations will be reviewed for the correct rate, Connect Media reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone not paying the correct rate. Furthermore, we will not be responsible for travel costs if you do not pay the correct rate.

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Our Partners

Yakkazoo is a specialist experiential agency that helps businesses turn their vision and ambitions into beautifully crafted, intentional events that leave a high-impact and lasting impression on their audiences, while delivering measurable results for marketing and event leaders.

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Spotify is the essential daily companion for fans. That’s why your ads work harder here — with more moments to reach your audience, more attention paid to your message, and more success across the funnel.

Assembled Media turns collaboration into commercial outcomes. Independent, senior-led and hands-on, we connect strategy, media, data and technology to deliver performance breakthroughs.

As pioneers of autonomous digital advertising, Quantcast is the AI-powered ad platform built for performance marketers. Quantcast helps advertisers understand their audiences and turn ad spend into measurable business growth.

Gold Partner yakkazoo.com
Gold Partner caasie.co
Silver Partner birdeye.com/au/
Lunch Partner ads.spotify.com
Networking Drinks Partner assembledmedia.com.au
Showcase Partner quantcast.com

Become A Partner

Marketing Leaders 2026 is Australia’s essential event for marketing professionals. Our events foster an environment for unlocking the invaluable connections needed to deliver long-term impact for businesses. We focus on actionable insights and real-world solutions by bringing together the critical voices shaping the sector. Every year we refine our event to unlock greater value for our partners and to ensure that our delegation’s expectations are exceeded.

Whether you’re looking for brand visibility, lead generation or exclusive event networking opportunities, our sponsorship packages are tailor-made and designed to maximise your ROI.

Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss what these opportunities could look like for you and your brand.

PARTNERSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES

Jack Martin
Growth Director
T: +61 451 548 447
E: jackm@connectmedia.com

GENERAL
ENQUIRIES

T: +61 2 8004 8590
E: team@connectmedia.com

Connect with these companies attending

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with the industry’s most prominent brands at Marketing Leaders. Explore the companies already confirmed and secure your chance to network with the best in the business.

Your event experience starts here​

Venue & Accommodation

Crown Melbourne

Conference Hall, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC

Exclusive Crown Accommodation Offer

Enjoy exclusive delegate discounts at Crown’s premium hotel properties – Crown Towers, Crown Metropol, and Crown Promenade.

Discount:  Save 5% to 10% on the daily rate.
Please note: Discount rates are subject to change and dependent on availability at the time of booking. Special event dates may require a minimum stay.

Booking Links:

We encourage guests to review the terms and conditions carefully before booking, including any restrictions or minimum-stay requirements.

FAQs

What does my delegate pass include?

A delegate pass includes access to all event sessions, scheduled refreshment breaks and networking functions, along with any speaker presentations approved for distribution. Each pass is valid for one person and cannot be shared. Connect Media reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone who is not registered.

Are group booking discounts available?

Yes. Discounts are available for groups of three or more. Current rates are listed on the registration page. For help with a group booking, email team@connectmedia.com.

Can I transfer my pass?

Passes cannot be shared, but you may transfer your registration to a substitute attendee at any time before the event. Please send transfer requests in writing to team@connectmedia.com.

How will I receive my delegate pass?

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email. We will send your QR e-ticket the day before the event. Please have it ready on your device when you arrive.

Is media registration available?

No. This is a closed and confidential event, and media registration is not available.

What is the cancellation policy?

Written cancellation requests received within 10 days of registration are eligible for a full refund, less a $250 GST-inclusive processing fee. No refunds are available for cancellations submitted more than 10 days after registration.

If Connect Media reschedules the event, your pass will be transferred automatically to the new date. If Connect Media is unable to deliver the event within 12 months of the original event date, you will be entitled to a full refund.

What is a service provider?

A service provider is an individual or organisation that supplies products or services to the event’s primary delegate audience.

Will a delegate list be available?

No. Delegate lists are not available to general attendees.

Are third-party attendee lists legitimate?

No. Connect Media does not sell or distribute attendee lists. Any third party offering access to event attendee data is not associated with us, and any information it provides is unauthorised and unverified. If you receive a suspicious offer, please contact us directly.

For any other questions, call +61 2 8004 8590 or email team@connectmedia.com.

Delegate Pass:

Delegate Pass includes access to all sessions, refreshment breaks, networking lunches, networking drinks reception, and access to approved speaker presentations/on demand content. Please note: Sharing of speaker presentation’s is subject to approval from the guest speaker. One delegate ticket is entry for one person only, passes cannot be shared. Organiser’s reserve the right to deny entry to anyone not registered.

Digital Pass (only applicable for digital events):

A digital pass is valid for the use of 1 user and provides access to live content, inclusive of all keynotes, and sessions. The pass also includes access to approved speaker presentations/on demand content; this will be available to you via email in the week following the event. Please note: Sharing of speaker presentation’s is subject to approval from the guest speaker. Access must not be shared by multiple user’s or redistributed in any way. Organiser’s reserve the right to deny access to anyone who is found violating the above terms.

Payment & Discounts:

Only one promotional discount code can be applied per registrant. All prices and promotions are valid at the time of purchase only and may not be redeemed after the point of purchase.

Registrations will be reviewed for the correct rate, Connect Media reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone not paying the correct rate. Furthermore, we will not be responsible for travel costs if you do not pay the correct rate.

Organiser’s Rights:

Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd endeavours to ensure the conference programme and speaker line-up is correct at the time of the event. All advertised details are correct at time of publishing. Due to unforeseen circumstances Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd reserves the right to alter the programme prior to the event without notice. We also reserve the right to cancel or postpone the event. Where Connect Media is unable to run the event in the next 12 months (from the date of the event), you will be entitled to a full refund. In the unlikely event that it is cancelled or postponed, no compensation will be provided for cancelled/amended travel arrangements.

Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd reserves the right to deny access to any individual that engages in or is alleged to engage in practices that are considered unprofessional and inappropriate for a business conference. We reserve the right to deny access to delegates that may affect the client / vendor ratio of attendance in favour of the interests of sponsors and commercial partners of the event.

In registering for this event, delegates grant permission to Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd to take and to have full and free use of video/photographs containing their image/likeness for promotional use. Should a delegate not agree to the above image release, they must advise team@connectmedia.com.

Cancellation Policy:

A substitute delegate is welcome at any time provided the request is made in writing. A full refund less a $250 (GST Inclusive) processing fee is applicable on cancellation requests made in writing within 10 days of registration. No refunds are available for cancellations made more than 10 days after registration. Where Connect Media is required to reschedule the event in the interest of the event partner’s and guests, your pass will be automatically transferred to the rescheduled dates. Should you be provided with a credit note at the discretion of the event organisers, this credit is valid for the specified amount of passes, and not the monetary value. Should Connect Media be unable to offer, deliver or fulfil any engagement within 12 months, you will be entitled to a full refund.

Event Delivery:

In case of a change in government restrictions and advice, Connect Media reserves the right to make the decision to deliver the event completely digital, or completely in person. Should you hold a different pass, you are entitled to move your registration to digital/in person, or receive a credit for the following edition of the event.

Privacy Disclosure:

We take your privacy seriously. Information collected on this registration will be held in the strictest of confidence on a secure database. This information may be used in order to contact you regarding future events, product development and services offered. If you do not wish to be contacted please email team@connectmedia.com. To view our full privacy policy please visit: https://dashboard.connectmedia.com/privacy-policy/.

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