Mediaweek proudly reveals the finalists for the Next of the Best Awards 2026, our unapologetic celebration of leadership across the industry.
This program is definitely not about scoring another shiny ornament for the boardroom.
It’s about recognising the people who actually do the heavy lifting and drive real, tangible outcomes in their business.
Our team reviewed a record number of entries, wading through the corporate buzzwords to produce a shortlist that highlights the sheer depth of talent executing the work. These are the people delivering the results across the media, marketing and technology ecosystem.
And next, the absolute titans of the industry will take over to review these finalists and determine the ultimate winner in each category.
Those winners will be announced at the Next of the Best Awards at the ivy Ballroom Sydney on Thursday, 11 June.
We’re super excited to have Nic and Loren from The Hot Hits to host the evening. They will no doubt take to the stage with a solid dose of Next of the Best energy. Expect pop culture chaos, industry roasts, and some hot hits vibes.
The Hot Hits’ Nic & Loren will host the 2026 Next of the Best Awards. Image: supplied
Below are the shortlisted finalists in no particular order.
The growth engines
This group encompasses the commercial drivers, the sales leaders, and the media buyers fueling the industry.
Agency Media
Clare Farrugia, Hatched
Sue Cant, This Is Flow
Sean Eustace, iProspect
Katherine Pochroj, EssenceMediacom
Ben Lynch, Noisy Beast
Rebecca Ho, Starcom
Sally Lawrence, Enigma Media
Camille Eddy, UM
Juliana Yeoh, Hatched Media
Camila Lecaros, iProspect
Berlian Ayudya, Hatched
Simon Watson, Audience Group
Nisar Malik, Are Media
Dean Bishop, Are Media
Partnerships
Katherine McVeity, Integral Ad Science
Lauren Brown, Seven West Media and SCA
Marnie Ayres, Woolworths Group, Woolworths MarketPlus
Alexandra Hazlehurst, Foxtel Media
Charlotte Byrne, The Guardian
Camila Deramond, Southern Cross Austereo
Hayley Treasure, Media Tonic
Melissa Gray, Live Nation Australia
Retail & Commerce
Sammy Preston Pritchard, Are Media
Kasey Jamison, Amazon Ads ANZ
Sales & Commercial
Bryce Crosswell, Southern Cross Austereo and LiSTNR
Ciaran Tobin, Acast
John Nguyen, Integral Ad Science
Karen Alexander, Mamamia
Rian Wisemantel, Foxtel Media
Monika Poposki, Foxtel Media
Matthew Coote, GumGum
Taylan Sadikoglu, Nielsen
Davy Rennie, Digitas Australia
Nick Sargent, Uber Advertising
The architects
Here we recognise the builders, the data scientists, the product innovators, and the publishers shaping the platforms of tomorrow.
Data & Insights
Lexi Sydow, The ATTN Economy
Blake Talarico, Are Media
Kathleen Severn, 303 / Mediahub
Randall Taylor, JOLT
Jasmine Beech, Southern Cross Austereo
Elizabeth Nan Tie, Starcom
Entrepreneur
Kym Treasure, Audacia Audio
Holly Bryar, Bryar Casting & The Reality Directory
Rebecca Ennis, Flaunt Talent
Taylor Fielding, TFM Digital
Alfie Lagos, Neuravo
Hayley Treasure, Media Tonic
Pip Bingemann, Springboards
Tahira Matthews, Stark Matthews
Veronica Cremen, Vonnimedia
Product & Innovation
Darcy Sullivan, Seven Network
Melanie Pritchard, Mindshare
Melinda Duffy, oOh!media
Amelia Healy, JOLT
Shruneek Prasad, Audience360
Shannon Fitzpatrick, Are Media
Publisher & Platform
Jono Lister, Seven Network
Katherine Chatfield, Are Media
Caitlin O’Meara, Foxtel Media
Zoe Featherstone, The Guardian Australia
The magnets
These finalists represent the creative minds, the brand leaders, and the audience whisperers who pull consumers in and hold their attention.
Agency Creative
Amelia Miranda, Intermission Film
Ben Walker, Those That Do
Lucinda Browne, Thrive PR + Communications
Audio & Entertainment
Brigitte Slattery, Samsung TV Plus
Tiffany Dunk, Are Media
Lachlan Guertin, PEDESTRIAN.TV
Jessica Roach, Amazon Ads ANZ
Brand & Growth
Leanne Glamuzina, oOh!media
Amber Knight, MediaMonks
Yuvaan Malkani, Atomic 212
Megan Osborne, Are Media
Emily Mallos, JOLT
Nikyah Hutchings, National Indigenous Television (NITV)
Paddy Wood, The Guardian Australia
Willie Pang, Amazon Ads ANZ
Influence & Audience
Jessica McCall, BTS with Jess
Rebecca O’Malley, Nova Entertainment
Jessica Bailey, Are Media
Jenna Benson, ARN
The guardians
Finally, we honour the journalists seeking the truth, the culture builders protecting their teams, and the purpose-driven leaders pushing for a better industry.
Change Maker
Patrick Whitnall, AiMCO
Sara Pethybridge, MettleLab
Damian Cleary, News Australia
Brittany Bloomer, Villagehood
Leonie Marsh, Screen Vixens
Jazmaree Bell, EssenceMediacom
Jacquie Alley, The Media Store
Danielle Galipienzo, Initiative
News & Journalism
Simon Love, Freelance
Leigh Stark, Publishr Pty Ltd
Britt Aylen, ARN
Sarina Andaloro, Seven News Sydney
Georgie McCourt, Are Media
People & Culture
Dan Hunjas, Edge Marketing
Britt Dolbey, Abe’s Audio
Nicolle Stuart, Mamamia
Lois Sharpe, MiQ
Marco Villella, Havas Australia
Jacquie Alley, The Media Store
Sustainability & Purpose
Abigail Thomas, SBS
Nicola Harvey, The Guardian
Our event is sponsored by News Corp Australia and LISTNR and promises to be an unforgettable night.
Next of the Best key info:
Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 6.30pm
Location: ivy Ballroom Sydney
Tickets: Here