Introducing the Marketing Leader Awards (MLAs): Celebrating the Future and Foundations of Marketing

We’re so excited to announce the launch of the inaugural New Chapter Talent Marketing Leader Awards (MLAs) – a celebration of standout marketers across Australia and New Zealand who are shaping the future of our industry and inspiring us all along the way.

These awards are our way of recognising two very special groups of people: those who are just getting started and showing exceptional promise, and those who are already leading the charge with strategic brilliance, commercial impact, and unwavering support for their teams.

We’ve got two award categories, some truly brilliant judges, and a prize pack that’s seriously worth shouting about. Let’s dive in.

The Marketing Rising Star Award

This category celebrates emerging marketers who are already making a big impact, despite being early in their careers. These rising stars are the ones to watch – full of ideas, drive, and a hunger to learn.

Our judging criteria for this award include:

• Leadership and Innovation: Do they think differently, lead with purpose, and bring a fresh perspective?
  
  
• Collaboration and Integration: How do they work with others and motivate those around them?
  
  
• Passion and Goal-Driven: Are they constantly learning, pushing themselves, and chasing their goals?
  
  
• Impact and Results: What have they delivered so far – campaigns, projects, performance?
  
  

Self-nominations are welcome – just include a testimonial from a senior colleague, manager, or mentor.

The Marketing Excellence Award

This award is for established marketing leaders making waves both inside and outside their organisations. They’re strategic thinkers, inspirational mentors, and always ahead of the curve when it comes to driving results and leading change.

Our judging criteria include:

• Team Development and Mentorship: How do they empower, coach and develop their teams?
  
  
• Strategic Vision & Commercial Impact: What business results have they delivered, and how?
  
  
• Influence and Industry Impact: Are they giving back to the industry and shaping the broader conversation?
  
  
• Innovative Thinking and Problem Solving: How are they solving challenges creatively and driving progress?
  
  

Again, self-nominations are welcome – with a supporting testimonial from a senior stakeholder.

The Prizes

Winners of each award will receive an incredible prize pack designed to celebrate their success and invest in their future:

• Executive coaching sessions with leadership expert Jac Phillips, valued at $1300 per person
  
  
• 2-night luxury stay at the InterContinental Sorrento, sponsored by New Chapter Talent and InterContinental Sorrento, valued at $1000 each!
  
  
• Breakfast included
  
  
• Wine on arrival
  
  
• Spa voucher included

And for our runners-up in each category:

• A sparkling smile thanks to an in-chair whitening treatment from Urban Smile, valued at $480 each!

Meet the Judges

We’ve assembled a judging panel with a wealth of marketing leadership experience – across both brand and industry advocacy:

• Lucy Bolan – Founder, New Chapter Talent
  
  
• Jac Phillips – Executive Coach and former senior marketing leader at ANZ, Bank of Melbourne, and more
  
  
• Jo Rao – Marketing leader and Committee Member, AMI (Vic Chapter)
  
  
• Kate Coleridge – Marketing Leader and Deputy Chair, AMI (Vic Chapter)

• Shira Friedman - Digital marketer and Committee Member, AMI (Vic Chapter)
  

Key Dates

• Nominations are open Tuesday 3 June
  
  
• Shortlist announced: 10 July 2025
  
  
• Winners to be announced at an awards party on Thursday, 24 July, 6-8pm AEST! Tickets are $20 with all proceeds going to Safe Steps, our charity of choice. Venue: The Union Room, QT Melbourne. Tickets for this night of nights can be purchased via TryBooking HERE.

• Nominations CLOSE COB, 1 July 2025.

Ready to Nominate?

Whether you're putting yourself forward or shining a light on someone who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you.

Head over to our nomination form and help us celebrate the marketing leaders – and future leaders – who are making our industry better, bolder, and braver.

This is your sign to back yourself, or someone brilliant you know... NOMINATE NOW!