About

The AdNews Emerging Leaders program celebrates champions across the advertising, media and marketing industry. The awards will be presented at a spectacular evening cocktail function in Melbourne.

The awards are open to all ages and professionals working in the advertising, media and marketing industry. Submissions can be self-nominated or entered by a third party. Each nominee must have a minimum of five years in the sector, not currently be working in a C-Suite, managing director or general manager role.

The event will announce 20 Emerging Leaders from a shortlist of finalists, with a Grand Prix handed to one professional for their outstanding industry achievement.

Entries close: Midnight, Friday 30 May 2025

Take a look at some previous Emerging Leaders who have gone on to cement their leadership skills in media, marketing and advertising.

Previous Winners

Mandie van der Merwe

Over the last 17 years, Mandie has worked as an art director at agencies in Australia, South Africa and the Middle East. Having now risen to the role of Saatchi & Saatchi chief creative officer, Mandie has always been committed to training and mentoring young talent in the industry. She is chair of Award, has served as a lecturer in South Africa and judged and mentored Cannes Young Lions. Her creative leadership for Tourism Australia, Commonwealth Bank, BIG W and BWS demonstrates the scope and depth of her work, and she has collected more than 200 awards at shows including Cannes and D&AD.

Mitchell Long

Mitchell first joined media and marketing communications agency PHD as an intern in 2011, moving on to secure positions as account executive, investment planning manager and Sydney head of strategy. Mitchell is now national head of strategy at PHD, a major driving force behind the agency’s strategic output. Over the years, he’s worked with brands such as Google, Virgin Australia, Unilever and VW to create a data-led communications strategy and channel innovation that is tech forward and results driven.