Media monitoring service Streem has conducted a ranking of Australia’s Top ten most prominent CMOs/marketing leaders from 20 November 2023 through to 19 November 2024, across print and online coverage.
KFC’s Tami Cunningham took out the top spot with 307 mentions. Key drivers of her media presence included the global “Kentucky Fly Chicken” campaign, new menu innovations like double-breaded chicken waffles, and a creative competition allowing fans to stay at “The Colonel’s Lodge.”
“We’ve had a great year, not only with all our retail brand work but also having unique experiences in the mix to bring our brand and products to life for our customers,” A KFC spokesperson told Mediaweek.
“This year, we launched several experiential campaigns that saw mass engagement across earned and social media, and we’re excited to see brand love continue to grow locally. It takes an army to execute big creative ideas, and thanks must go to the entire KFC marketing team and our agency partners.”
Australia’s highest-profile marketing chiefs from 20 November 2023 through to 19 November 2024 across print and online coverage.
Coming in second, Volkswagen’s Nathan Johnson made headlines with 300 mentions. His coverage was propelled by the tech-heavy Australian update of the VW Crafter in November 2023 and discussions around a potential electric Amarok launch in May 2024.
“You’re only as good as your vehicles and ours are the best, ones that a marketer and a strong team can drive to success,” Johnson told Mediaweek.
“This data shows which Australian CMOs are thought leaders within the industry, successfully leveraging earned media to build brand awareness and credibility, spotlighting the campaigns and initiatives that cut through the noise in 2024,” Lauren Jefferies, head of insights at Streem said.
Next in third place was Telstra’s Brent Smart, who achieved 210 mentions. His media presence was driven by consistent coverage of campaigns such as “Better on a Better Network” and “Wherever We Go,” his Black T-Shirts podcast with Adam Ferrier, and his involvement in The Marketing Academy’s 2024 scholarship program.
In fourth place was Liana Dubois of Nine, with 189 mentions. Her coverage was primarily fueled by Nine Network’s role as the broadcaster for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, which generated significant national media interest.
Ranked fifth, Chargefox’s Rob Asselman secured 179 mentions, largely due to the launch of Australia’s first “fuel card” for low-emission vehicles in partnership with Corpay.
Andrew Hicks from Woolworths claimed sixth place with 169 mentions, driven by campaigns like the launch of limited-edition Olympics and Paralympics $2 coins and the festive “Make This Christmas a Classic” initiative.
In seventh place was Michelle Klein of IAG, who garnered 156 mentions. Her media presence was supported by NRMA’s 100th-anniversary rebranding, the appointment of Accenture Song to enhance customer experience, and her participation at SXSW Sydney.
Coming in eighth, Coca-Cola South Pacific’s Kate Miller received 143 mentions. Her standout moments included the launch of the “K-Wave” K-Pop-inspired Coca-Cola drink and an Oreo collaboration featuring Oreo-flavored Coke Zero and Coke-flavored Oreo cookies.
Tony Quarmby of Tourism Northern Territory ranked ninth with 113 mentions. His media coverage was bolstered by Netflix’s Territory series and related advertising campaigns, as well as a collaboration with Bonds Pride.
Rounding out the top ten was Yolanda Uys from Crown Resorts, with 107 mentions. Highlights included Crown’s strategic partnership with Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, the appointment of Initiative as its new media agency, and the MasterChef x Crown pop-up restaurant “ALUMNI.”