UnLtd appoints three media leaders to board

UnLtd has appointed three senior media executives to its board as the organisation begins its next phase of growth.

Gai Le Roy, CEO of IAB Australia, Nicole Bence, chief commercial officer of NOVA, and Sian Whitnall, CEO of OMD Australia, have joined as board directors.

They join chair Karen Halligan, alongside existing directors James Bayes, Jason Tonelli, Philippa Wainiqolo, Amanda Henderson and Paul Sigaloff.

UnLtd said the appointments would support plans to expand its reach and deepen advertising industry engagement. The organisation is also increasing its focus on preventing systemic disadvantage.

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Supporting UnLtd’s next growth phase

Halligan, who is also CEO of OzTAM, said the new directors had supported UnLtd for several years.

“It’s an exciting time for UnLtd, with strong leadership, a clear vision and ambitious plans to scale our impact,” Halligan said.

“We are delighted to welcome three highly respected industry leaders to our Board as we enter this next phase of growth. Each has been a passionate supporter of UnLtd for many years, generously contributing their time, expertise and advocacy behind the scenes.

“We’re thrilled to see them formally join the Board and look forward to the leadership and perspective they will bring.”

Le Roy said improving mental health support and outcomes for young people was a personal priority.

“I’ve supported UnLtd from the sidelines for many years and seen first-hand the difference it makes for young people facing real disadvantage,” Le Roy said.

“Improving mental health support and outcomes for young people is a real passion of mine, and I’m excited to move from supporter to Board Director, helping support UnLtd as it grows its impact for the next generation.”

Bence said her previous involvement with UnLtd had reinforced the need for collective industry action.

“Every experience has reinforced the same thing: individual perspective isn’t enough. We need systemic change,” Bence said.

“That’s why I’m joining the Board – to help galvanise our industry’s collective power to end systemic disadvantage. Raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 in NSW is exactly that kind of work.”

Whitnall said UnLtd had demonstrated how the media and advertising industry could turn its intentions into action.

“Our industry is navigating enormous change, it’s never been more important that we show up for something bigger than ourselves,” Whitnall said.

“When I think about the moments that have genuinely stayed with me in this industry, so many of them come back to UnLtd — the way it brings us together, challenges our perspective, and turns intent into real action.

“It’s powerful, and it matters. Joining the Board is a chance to give back to something that’s given a lot to me, and to help push that impact even further across our industry.”

UnLtd has worked with the advertising industry for 20 years. It supports charities focused on prevention and long-term change for children and young people experiencing disadvantage.

Top image: Karen Halligan, Philippa Moig, Gai Le Roy, Nicole Bence & Sian Whitnall