Mediaweek celebrated its third MW100 luncheon at the Pearl Ballroom at Crown Sydney on Friday afternoon, celebrating the successes of the media industry and the people who make it.
This year saw the return of the Mediaweek 100, countdown of Australia’s top 100 media executives, and Agency 50, the top 50 most influential media agency leaders.
Michael Miller, News Corp Australia’s executive chairman, claimed the top spot on the list. GroupM Australia CEO Aimee Buchanan took the number one spot on the agency 50 list for a second consecutive year.
Joining the MW100 lists is the new Variety Australia Entertainment 50, which splits out individuals and industry organisations who play a crucial role in producing content. The inaugural winners of the category were Charlie Aspinwall and Daley Pearson, co-founders and directors of Ludo Studio, known for the award-winning kids show Bluey.
Comedian Michael Hing entertained audiences with a stand-up routine before Mark Coad, CEO of IPG Mediabrands Australia, inducted Lou Barrett, managing director of sales at News Corp Australia, as the newest Mediaweek Icon. He described her as someone with an “incredible reputation in the industry, as well as being hardworking, fun and known for taking no bullshit.”
Barrett opened her, acknowledging the many “beautiful people” in the industry, and it’s what she loves about the industry.
“I’ve always been incredibly passionate about this industry. It’s a space that constantly evolves. It’s constantly challenging you. And most importantly, it allows you to connect with people in ways that I think are both really powerful, and really meaningful.
“And to be part of such a dynamic industry, and there’s so much change going on at the moment, to be part of a dynamic industry where every day feels like an opportunity to innovate, to tell stories, to make an impact, and to deliver results for clients, is something I truly, truly love and I try to impart on my team as well.”
