On Friday afternoon, the Pearl Ballroom at Crown Sydney became the epicentre of Australia’s media and marketing world as Mediaweek celebrated its annual Agency 50 List at the MW100 luncheon. The event ended with the announcement of the number one spot on the Agency 50 List 2024, awarded to Aimee Buchanan, CEO of GroupM Australia. Her heartfelt acceptance speech reflected on the industry’s wins and challenges.
A humble beginning to a momentous recognition
Taking the stage to thunderous applause, Buchanan began her speech by acknowledging those who have inspired her. “Congratulations to Lou — you’re a true icon, an absolute inspiration to all of us,” she said. News Corp’s Lou Barrett was inducted as the newest Mediaweek Icon.
“It’s a huge honour to be here today and to be ranked among so many of my friends and colleagues, people I’ve worked with for years and adore,” she continued.
The people who shaped her path
Buchanan attributed her success to the incredible mentors and colleagues who paved the way. She paid tribute to industry legends such as Peter Horgan, Kristian Barnes, and my formidable clients, as well as individuals who gave her strength and belief. “Michael Smith, Kim Portrate, Olivia Wirth, Stephanie Tully, Jo Boundy, Joe Pollard, Mim Haysom and Genelle Sharples — your backing, support, and friendship gave me the belief I needed,” she said, noting how their encouragement helped her navigate often being “the lone woman in the room.”
Buchanan used the platform to shine a light on the duality of the industry she loves. “This moment has given me a chance to reflect not just on my career but on the industry I’m proud to be a part of,” she said.
A team effort and family foundation
Acknowledging that success in the media and marketing industry is far from a solo achievement, Buchanan highlighted the exceptional talent at GroupM. “This is not an industry made of individuals. I’ve got an incredible team at GroupM, and I feel absolutely honoured to work with the likes of the Wavemaker, Mindshare, EssenceMediacom teams, and my amazing CEOs in the GroupM leadership team. You inspire me to be a better leader every single day.”
On a personal note, Buchanan expressed gratitude to her family. She called out her husband, Peter, for his unwavering support and her children for keeping her grounded. “To my son, Archer, who’s five and tells me he loves me forever — maybe that’s true — for his sweet hugs and kind soul, and to my daughter, Adelina, who shows me what fierce looks like every single day. She’s either going to run the country or end up in jail. I don’t know where she gets it from!”
Pictured: Aimee Buchanan.
A call for industry accountability
Buchanan used the platform to shine a light on the duality of the industry she loves. “This moment has given me a chance to reflect not just on my career but on the industry I’m proud to be a part of,” she said, praising its ability to shape culture, build careers, and create impactful brands. However, she also pointed to the darker aspects that continue to plague the industry.
“The experiences and behaviour that have been ignored or swept under the carpet far too many times this year are not good enough. We’ve still got work to do,” she stated, challenging the industry’s leaders to take responsibility beyond the visible milestones.
Buchanan ended her speech with a poignant quote from her daughter’s favourite author, Roald Dahl: “Having great power is not as important as what you choose to do with it.” Her final plea to the room: “Please, let’s choose to do something about it.”
A speech to remember
Aimee Buchanan’s address was more than an acceptance speech — it was a rallying cry for change, an acknowledgment of the support systems behind her success, and a heartfelt tribute to the industry. It left the room not only applauding her achievements but also reflecting on the shared responsibility to make media and marketing a better place for future generations.
As the 2024 Agency 50 List leader, Buchanan embodies the balance of excellence and accountability that the industry aspires to.