To ensure a dynamic and resilient future for Australia’s advertising industry, the ACA is proud to launch the ACA Futures Board.
This initiative will not only identify, elevate, and empower the next generation of industry leaders but will also create a direct and powerful link between the industry’s rising stars and its current leaders, embedding fresh perspectives at the core of the ACA’s strategic agenda.
What is the ACA Futures Board?
The ACA Futures Board is a strategic advisory group composed of 8-10 of the most promising emerging leaders from ACA member agencies. It will act as a sounding board for the main ACA Board, bringing new thinking, challenging assumptions, and ensuring our industry remains forward-facing and inclusive.
Members will have a unique opportunity to influence the direction of the industry while undergoing a significant professional development experience.
Program structure & the commitment
Successful nominees will join a high-impact program with a clear mandate. The commitment includes:
– A term of 18 months, beginning in late January 2026.
– Tackling two strategic briefs per year, set by the main ACA Board.
– Presenting insights and recommendations directly to the main ACA Board.
– Attending one annual face-to-face meeting in Sydney.
The selection process
Our goal is to assemble a diverse and high-calibre board representing the breadth of talent in our industry. The selection process, led by Sarah Jones Palmer and the ACA Nominations Committee, is designed to be rigorous and fair.
The final cohort will be capped at 10 members and will be selected against a skills matrix and weighted rubric, with the following goals:
– National representation: To ensure a spread of members from across the country.
– Diverse skills & roles: To include a mix of leaders from various disciplines such as strategy, creative, client management, production, and data.
– Commitment to diversity: To ensure a representative cohort, two places on the final board will be held for outstanding nominees from underrepresented groups.
How to nominate
Nominations are a collaborative effort between the agency’s CEO/MD (the nominator) and the candidate (nominee).
Nomination limit: All member agencies may nominate up to two candidates. Agencies with over 50 employees may nominate up to four.
Submission: All nominations must be submitted via the official online nomination form.
Deadline: Nominations close at 5:00 PM AEDT on Friday, 7 November 2025.
LINK TO THE ONLINE NOMINATION FORM
Contact: For any enquiries regarding the nomination process or the ACA Futures Board, please contact Sarah Jones Palmer at jones@adcouncil.org.au