The Media Federation of Australia (MFA) recently held its 26th annual general meeting, reappointing five directors for a further two-year term while also opening up a seat for a new independent media agency.

The MFA Board reappointed five directors for a further two-year term, including MFA CEO Sophie Madden; Initiative ANZ CEO Melissa Fein; IPG Mediabrands CEO Mark Coad; Wavemaker ANZ CEO Peter Vogel; and PHD Group Australia CEO Mark Jarrett.

The meeting also saw the opening of one of the two independent media agency board seats for re-election, as This is Flow CEO & Founder Jimmy Hyett concluded his two-year term. The MFA will hold an election for the position, with the result set to be announced in the new year.

As well as the board formalities, the AGM gave the MFA the opportunity to provide updates on several initiatives, including the ongoing success of the collective purpose of 'We Are The Changers', MFA EX 2023, training events, e-learning programs, the fourth Industry Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report, the Advertising Pays report, and charity fundraising.

Looking ahead to 2024, the MFA plans to expand the e-learning program with two new courses, create an Industry Psychosocial Safety action plan, celebrate the 25th anniversary of the MFA Awards, continue the success of MFA EX, and collaborate with industry partners for a more sustainable economy.

"2023 was the year we began to reinstill pride among our people by shining renewed focus on our industry’s ability to drive positive change, and we have a lot to be proud of as evidenced by our many collective achievements," MFA CEO Sophie Madden said.

"Everything we do at the MFA relies on the active participation of thousands of individuals within our community. Whether volunteering on MFA committees, acting as mentors, undertaking training, inspiring us at MFA EX, creating content for the MFA e-learning programs, this is indeed an industry of engaged, passionate and enthusiastic Changers, committed to making us all better at what we do. I wouldn’t want to work in any other industry and I’m excited for what the future holds in 2024 and beyond."

MFA Chair & Omnicom Group CEO Peter Horgan echoed Madden's sentiments.

"As our purpose declares, We Are The Changers, and I’m proud of the work the MFA is doing in leading a sustainable, respected, inclusive and future-proofed industry. With growing challenges ahead, we will remain steadfast in our vision to be the pre-eminent, trusted and valued authority on media communications for all stakeholders: MFA members, clients, media owners and government," he said.

Established in 1997, the MFA is a non-for-profit organisation representing over 90% of all media billings placed by media agencies in Australia.