IAB Australia has today announced that Suzie Cardwell, Nine’s chief data officer, has been appointed chair of the IAB Australia board, with Sarah Myers, GM audience and marketing at REA Group, stepping into the role of deputy chair.
The appointments come as part of a strategic leadership transition, with Cardwell succeeding Vanya Mariani, who stepped down following her departure from carsales. In addition to these key leadership changes, IAB Australia has welcomed three new board members: Dean La Rosa, general manager, commercial data at News Corp; Heather McGovern, acting CMO at Domain; and Davor Vilusic, executive general manager media at carsales.
As chair, Cardwell will collaborate closely with IAB Australia CEO, Gai Le Roy, to advance several key industry initiatives. These include ensuring responsible digital advertising frameworks that align with marketer, consumer, and government expectations, while also addressing emerging market needs and dynamics.
IAB Australia chair – Suzie Cardwell – Nine.
Among the board’s top priorities for 2025 will be harmonising carbon emissions tracking in media buying and planning, evolving the digital ratings currency Ipsos iris, preparing for upcoming privacy reforms, and providing education and guidance on AI developments impacting digital advertising. These initiatives are outlined in the IAB Australia Annual Report.
Le Roy said of the appointments: “I would like to thank Vanya for driving a vibrant and productive era of the IAB and being such a positive force in the industry. We are incredibly lucky to have Suzie, who is an admired and respected digital advertising leader, taking the chair role. Her strategic smarts and market knowledge will be wonderfully complemented by Sarah’s deep understanding of marketing and audience trends.”
IAB Australia deputy chair – Sarah Myers – REA.
Cardwell said: “I’m honoured to be appointed as the chair of the IAB Australia board and excited to work with Gai and the Board to further the mission of IAB Australia. The IAB plays a vital role in fostering a thriving and sustainable digital advertising ecosystem in Australia. We operate in a complex landscape. By continuing to work together, we can navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead and ensure that the industry continues to grow and evolve in a way that benefits all stakeholders.”
With over 20 years of experience in media and data-driven strategy, Cardwell has played a pivotal role in enhancing consumer and commercial experiences across Nine’s digital platforms. Prior to joining Nine, she held leadership roles at News Corp and Foxtel, driving transformative change in digital and data innovation.
Myers brings an equally impressive background, with extensive experience in audience growth and engagement across digital media and technology businesses. At REA Group, she leads a team focused on brand and performance marketing, lifecycle marketing, audience personalisation, and analytics. Her previous experience includes senior marketing roles at realestate.com.au, Mortgage Choice, Domain, SMH, and The Age.