The Media Federation of Australia (MFA) board has appointed Publicis Groupe ANZ CEO Michael Rebelo and Spark Foundry CEO Imogen Hewitt to the MFA Board as its two newest directors, completing the 13-member board.

Rebelo takes up the Publicis Groupe seat on the board, replacing Toby Barbour who announced last month that he would be leaving his post as Publicis Media CEO. Barbour joined the MFA Board in June 2018. Hewitt steps into a previously vacant seat reserved for a Publicis agency brand representative.

MFA CEO Sophie Madden said: “We are thrilled to have Mike and Imogen join the MFA Board of Directors. Their experience, engagement and understanding of the issues facing our industry will be invaluable assets to the MFA as we continue to advance the interests of our members in an evolving and challenging environment.

“While the impact of the COVID-19 crisis continues to be felt across our industry, it is more important than ever to focus on the development of our people, the improvements of the tools we use and the value we deliver to our clients. Having a committed board is key to that.”

Michael Rebelo also sits on the board of The Communications Council and will bring a unique perspective to the MFA through his broad involvement.