The Marketing Academy (TMA) has revealed the 30 Australian Scholars who have been selected for the 2024 Scholarship Program.

Running from March to November 2014, the annual development program targets high-potential leadership talent within the marketing, media, and advertising sectors. This year marks the 10th year of cohorts in Australia. Over 450 people within the industry competed for the 30 places in Australia last year. Eligibility criteria for the program included being employed on a permanent basis or running one's own business, having between 10-20 years’ experience, holding a leadership role in the company, and demonstrating high ambition to further a career in marketing leadership. You also need to be nominated by a boss or peer to be considered.

Participants are offered access to C-suite mentors and executive coaches, as well as residential 'Boot Camps'. This year's line of mentors includes Jo Boundy, CMO, CBA; Eric Thomson, Global Marketing Director, Pernod Ricard; Anubha Sahasrabuddhe CMO, Lion; Brent Smart, CMO, Telstra; Sweta Mehra, CMO, ANZ; Martin Brown, Director, eBusiness, Strategy & Marketing, Nestle Australia; Jenni Dill CMO, Arnott’s; Susan Coghill, CMO, Tourism Australia; Peter Horgan, CEO, Omnicom Media Group; Mark Richardson, Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, Marley Spoon; Mark Coad, CEO, IPG Mediabrands; Naysla Edwards, VP Brand, Charge Cards & Member experience, Amex; and Leisa Bacon, Director of Audiences at ABC.

"Each year, we continue to be impressed by the remarkable talent found in Australia, and this year is no exception. Despite potential challenges for brands and agencies ahead, The Marketing Academy remains steadfast in its dedication to nurturing these exceptional leaders in their personal growth, leadership journey, and professional achievements," The Marketing Academy Founder & Global CEO, Sherilyn Shackell, said. "I would like to thank our incredible community of pitch and panel interviewers, sponsors, mentors, executive coaches, and speakers for their continued support in making this transformative program possible."

The Marketing Academy operates in the UK, Australia, and the US, and is a not-for-profit organisation supported exclusively by industry sponsorship. The 2024 AUS Scholarship sponsorship lineup includes Google, Commonwealth Bank, Salesforce, KFC, IAG, Optus, Dentsu, and Deloitte Digital.

Since its inception in the UK 13 years ago, over 900 leaders around the world have graduated from The Marketing Academy programs. Graduates are supported by ongoing Alumni Programs and The Marketing Academy Virtual Campus, a 12-month program of lectures, masterclasses, and workshops. The Australia Alumni program currently has 240 members and is sponsored by Salesforce.

The newly announced Scholarship Class of 2024 are:

• Alexandra Piercy, national marketing manager loyalty, Coles
• Alita McMenamin, head of brand, network and sponsorship, Telstra
• Benjamin Harrison, managing director, Re-M&C Saatchi Group
• Bonnie Bradley, chapter area lead, marketing digital and ecommerce, The Warehouse Group
• Dale Bennetto, partner / head of production, Chronicle Studios
• Dan Adams, client services director, The Idea Shed
• Dan Hamer, head of commercial and growth, Hawthorn Football Club
• Darryl Newby, co-founder and director, Welcome to Travel
• Elena Giraldo, manager, experiential marketing and content, IAG
• Hilary Badger, executive creative director, Ogilvy Australia
• James Clifton, senior director APAC marketing, Salesforce
• James Crawley, creative director and co-founder, Common Ventures
• Jemma Downey, group GM consumer growth, Asahi Beverages
• Laura Pope, head of consumer marketing apps and platforms, Google Australia
• Lindene Cleary, CMO, Tourism Tasmania
• Lisa Litt-Cain, head of advertising, Aldi
• Louise Laing, GM marketing A/NZ, Intrepid Travel
• Lucie Jansen, national chief investment officer, leadership team, Spark Foundry Australia
• Maddie Jahnke, head of light spirits, digital and insights (Pacific), Pernod Ricard
• Melissa Louey, marketing director, frank green
• Michelle Rowling, head of sales and marketing, Luna Park Sydney
• Millie Mae Twort Group, account director, The Works
• Nathan Kent, marketing director, DrinkWise
• Rosie Thomas, co-founder and executive director, Project Rockit
• Samantha McLeod, marketing director food and beverage, McDonald's Australia
• Sandra Theis, director customer research and insights, Optus
• Shad Haeae, global head of digital acquisition and marketing analytics, OFX
• Tahlia Phillips, general manager, Concrete Playground
• Tamisine Heath, chapter lead, partnerships and activations, Commonwealth Bank
• Yasmin Armes, executive director of consumer, Herd MSL