Chris Ernst, managing director of dentsu Queensland, was named as the winner of the Leadership category at Mediaweek’s Next of The Best awards.
Judges of the category recognised Ernst for his exceptional leadership and impact on the Brisbane-based agency.
Under his leadership, the agency oversees a diverse range clients such as Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) and Good Drinks Australia. The agency has also been recognised as one of 2025’s Best Places to Work in the Media and Marketing category by the Australian Financial Review (AFR) and BOSS Magazine.
Mediaweek caught up with Ernst about the win, leading a successful team and what’s on the horizon in year ahead.
MW: The awards have been judged by an all-star line-up, what does it mean to you to be recognised by this group?
Chris Ernst: It gives me a great sense of pride to know that an esteemed group of leaders have recognised my leadership journey, and the impact that we as a team at dentsu Queensland have had on each other, our partners, and our industry.
I place a great deal of value in the opportunity to expose others to our story and our learnings, and to shine a light on our Queensland market broadly.
MW: In three words, how would you describe your leadership style?
CE: I’m not sure I’m qualified to answer that question and would refer to our team, however I can say that I strive to be courageous, kind, and connected as a leader.
Chris Ernst
MW: The dentsu QLD team were there to celebrate your recognition, what does leading the team mean to you?
CE: I’ve often said that I love my job, and I really do. The opportunity to lead and stand alongside the talented, curious, creative, and collaborative group of people that is dentsu Queensland is something that inspires me, and drives me, every day.
I will never take it for granted and loved having a bunch of the team who were also being recognised on the evening, there with me to celebrate.
MW: In addition to your effective leadership, what fun fact would you like the industry to know about you?
CE: I have invested quite a lot of time into my purpose, and in that process reflected on the ‘buckets’ that make up my life. My career and role as a leader at dentsu Queensland is only one bucket and 20% of that picture.
The remaining buckets include my wonderful wife Lucy and our three beautiful children, my mum and sisters, a very close and dear group of friends, my passions (Music, Surfing, Mountain biking), and my healthy body and mind.
I have created visions for each of those buckets of my life and refresh them annually. This process has had a huge impact on me.
At first it felt like I was neglecting the ‘career bucket’ by putting time and effort into others, but what I learnt is that by doing so, you become a much more influential version of yourself, and a far better leader.
MW: What does the next 12 months look like for you in terms of how you’re thinking about your career?
CE: I’m focused on connecting, collaborating, and learning from other leaders and businesses wherever possible, and sharing my learnings along the way. I get a ton of value and growth out of that both personally and professionally.
I also believe there is a huge opportunity to innovate the way we’re adding value as an agency in the year ahead, and I’m excited to run at that!
Top image: Chris Ernst
See also: dentsu QLD’s ‘potent and powerful’ culture: Chris Ernst and Emily Cook