About us.

John is passionate about lifting the status of marketing in New Zealand business. "NZ Business would benefit having more professional marketers on boards as we are trained to look forward in a strategic manner, focus on the customer and creatively problem solve. To do this we need to introduce new standards for marketers in NZ and entice more young marketers to be involved in our marketing family. At NZ Marketing Association, our focus is to help Marketers be Brilliant!” This approach has paid off with innovative new programs being launched at MA, professional certifications for marketers, new conferences and events being offered which have resulted in a negative membership churn turning into a positive within 2 years, customer advocacy going from 36 to 72 with the key audience of CMO’s being 84, a record surplus in 2021 and MA scoring the highest ever rating for a NZ organisation with 75% describing MA as a passionate organisation.

John started his career in FMCG and breweries and then moved in advertising and brand development agencies. For the last fifteen years he has been heavily involved in education meeting market needs by creating and implementing new products. He also has extensive experience in managing organisations.

He is an innovative management and marketing specialist with a knack for identifying and leveraging business opportunities. Expert at building strategic partnerships and manage major change. A creative business development professional, who has constantly demonstrated an ability to develop and implement successful marketing campaigns that make a significant impact on the bottom line

He has always had the philosophy of if you don't ask you won't ever know and always give things a go!

Keith is the MA’s consultant who advises members and MA staff on legislative and regulatory stuff. Actually, he helps out on almost any marketing question. He is a passionate advocate for data-driven marketing and honest, transparent marketing. Except for Wednesday -  Wednesday is golf day.

Kirsty has been with us for over ten years and an is an expert in all things MA. With her exceptional management skills, she oversees and coordinates the Product teams as well as managing the wider functions of the company. After work, Kirsty enjoys some family time with her partner and two gorgeous daughters.

Debbie has a passion for communication, networking, uncovering opportunities and sharing success stories. Debbie has been working with our MA members for over 6 years and enjoys finding out what their current needs and challenges are to see how we can best support them as their marketing industry body. After hours you will find Debbie spending time in the sunshine at the beach with her Chihuahua, Chichi and her Pom-Chi, Aurora.

Lone is the brain behind the content of our events, from sourcing speakers and sponsors to choosing our topics, Lone is there every step of the way. She has extensive knowledge in the Events and L&D industry and uses this to mentor her newer colleagues. Post work, you can find Lone lost in a good book (or two!) and spending time with her beautiful family.

Danielle is passionate about strategic marketing and believes that in order to be successful, you must truly understand your customers – their challenges, their wants, and their needs. She loves project managing and launching exciting initiatives, and of course, delivering value to her customers and internal stakeholders. Her role at the Marketing Association is to manage the marketing for the MA, including the brand, content, social media, campaigns, and creating a strategic marketing plan which aligns with the business strategy. 

In her spare time, you will find Danielle herding her active 4-year-old son and 1 year old daughter, spending time with her husband, friends and family. She also enjoys a nice getaway and trying new things. And rugby, she won’t miss an All Blacks game!

Debbie has a passion for communication, networking, uncovering opportunities and sharing success stories. Debbie has been working with our MA members for over 6 years and enjoys finding out what their current needs and challenges are to see how we can best support them as their marketing industry body. After hours you will find Debbie spending time in the sunshine at the beach with her Pom-Chi, Aurora.

Tricia works with Debbie to enhance MA’s membership and sponsorship experience.

With oodles of experience in the marketing industry and developing excellent relationships, Tricia is very much a ‘people person’ who will strive to deliver excellent value and outcomes to our members.

Outside of work, you’ll find Tricia relaxing with family, shopping or walking on the beautiful beaches in the bays with friends or her fur baby, Floyd.

Danielle is passionate about strategic marketing and believes that in order to be successful, you must truly understand your customers – their challenges, their wants, and their needs. She loves project managing and launching exciting initiatives, and of course, delivering value to her customers and internal stakeholders. Her role at the Marketing Association is to manage the marketing for the MA, including the brand, content, social media, campaigns, and creating a strategic marketing plan which aligns with the business strategy. 

In her spare time, you will find Danielle herding her active 3-year-old son and spending time with her husband, friends and family. She also enjoys a nice getaway and trying new things. And rugby, she won’t miss an All Blacks game!

The MA's jack of all trades - Shayne Robson, is not just our data guru, but our 'go-to' gal for all things admin, IT, and problem-solving.

If she doesn't know how to do something straight away - she will have the answer for you in 5 minutes!

Quite often, when asked what she did on the weekend, her reply is usually "Slept" as this one loves her sleep.

She also has a very small dog, Minnie, who loves to join her in nap time.

Marilena is the MA’s Senior Events Manager and style icon. She employs meticulous planning, expert budgeting and creative problem solving to ensure all our events go off without a hitch so you have a great experience. Beyond delivering original and memorable events and awards nights, Marilena’s hobbies include interior design, travelling and quality TV.

Roxy has been with the MA for over 4 years now and has become an integral part of the events team! As an Event Manager, Roxy organises and manages some of our biggest conferences throughout the year, as well as a number of popular event series such as the well-known Brainy Breakfast. Roxy’s attention to detail is second-to-none, and she only ever delivers the highest quality events for our marketing community.

Roxy is passionate about her job and gets satisfaction from her role when she sees our marketing community gain rich insights and learn from our events and conferences. She loves seeing it all come together on the day and enjoys the challenges, excitement and anticipation of her role.

Always one to have packages delivered to the workplace – Roxy is an avid online shopper and a lover of coffee. She can also be found watching Netflix and gaming in her spare time.

Those amazing events you attend? Emily is the brains behind the production! From detailed floorplans to spray-painting props, to AV and staging and video shots! Emily loves what she does as it makes the world a more fabulous place. Outside of work, Emily can be found making memories with her two beautiful children, going on adventures, drinking champagne and watching reality-TV.

Lone is the brain behind the content of our events, from sourcing speakers and sponsors to choosing our topics, Lone is there every step of the way.

She has extensive knowledge in the Events and L&D industry and uses this to mentor her newer colleagues.

Post work, you can find Lone lost in a good book (or two!) and spending time with her beautiful family.

Emma is a recent graduate at AUT- Marketing and is now our Event & Sponsorship Assistant on the events team. Originally from Hong Kong, Emma has been studying abroad since she was 11 years old. She has a background in hospitality and tourism. Her experience has made her a “Hodophile” who loves travelling and exploring new cultures because it challenges her perspective towards the world.

Parker is one of our passionate and enthusiastic Learning & Development Manager. Look to her for any customised corporate workshops, online workshops, or any new MA projects. Originally from Los Angeles, Parker has a background in digital marketing, communications and events. In her free time, catch her at a local pub quiz, or strolling through the Auckland Domain with her dog, Schroeder.

As our Learning & Development Administrator, Erica organises all our corporate and online workshops. She is also our go-to person for any of the latest new restaurant openings and a beauty/fashion guru. You will find her in her spare time dining out with friends or going on wholesome beach walks.

Jo is a seasoned business professional with strong financial, governance and marketing acumen, extensive industry and public service experience. Her strengths lie in her ability to clarify business drivers and opportunities, define executable strategy and work with a range of stakeholders to deliver significant value.

Working as a strategic marketer, Jo has a diversity of governance experience in both the public and private sectors, across small and large organisations.

She is passionate about delivering value to the MA members and championing the marketing discipline at the top table as a key success driver for NZ organisations.

John is passionate about lifting the status of marketing in New Zealand business." NZ Business would benefit having more professional marketers on boards as we are trained to look forward in a strategic manner and creatively problem solve. To do this we need to introduce new standards for marketers in NZ and entice more young marketers to be involved in our marketing family. As an organisation, our focus is members first, last and always and we want to innovate with new programs and products."

Ant is a longstanding member of the Marketing Association Board (15 years), who has consistently been rated as one of the highest performing board members in our annual peer review.

Ant has volunteered to serve a further term on the Board, to provide a vital link between past and present, at a time when the organisation is reshaping itself to meet the needs of the future professional marketer. With a new CEO, several new faces in senior management, a new Chairman, and a relatively young board, Ant provides a solid understanding of what has gone before, complemented by his natural strengths in strategic thinking, communications and general governance. With 4 Grand Prix's and numerous Gold awards for marketing effectiveness, Ant also provides a strong voice for the creative and new media community, SME's, business owners and all practitioners of direct, digital and data-driven marketing

Emma brings strong commercial, finance and strategy skills to the Board, gained from 20 years in senior executive and general management roles in both corporates and SMEs. She is currently Chief Operating Officer for Fronde, a technology services company operating in New Zealand and Australia. Previous executive roles include Asia Pacific Director - Strategy, Innovation and Technology, for Wolters Kluwer responsible for M&A, strategic planning, innovation and customer experience initiatives; and Managing Director of CCH New Zealand Ltd, a software and online publishing business.

Emma is passionate about enabling organisations, and individuals, to maximise opportunities, achieve their potential and thrive.

Emma is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand and a UK qualified Chartered Accountant.

I am a senior marketer with approx. 20+ years' experience, spread across various agency and client roles and industry sectors. My current role is as Head of Marketing, Consumer for ANZ Bank. This gives me a strong insight into the issues and emerging themes facing the wider marketing industry.

I have a strong background in digital and direct marketing, as well as in-depth knowledge of brand and media. My board experience includes numerous corporate governance forums and as a school board trustee. I have actively contributed to the MA over the years through stints as a Special Interest Committee member, a lecturer and a frequent judge. I look forward to now contributing at a Board level.

I am passionate about the marketing community and in developing the next generation of well-rounded marketers. I believe there is a role for the MA to further its advocacy for marketing as a discipline, within corporate environments and across the broader commercial sector.

I am a value-based leader of transformational change with 19 years of marketing experience leading broad brand portfolios in complex businesses, and highly competitive markets and categories. A strong FMCG marketer, my marketing passions are strategic marketing and communications, storytelling and brand building, innovation and category growth.

An experienced Executive team member with significant experience in leading teams and agency partners to build a high-performing culture, I firmly believe in a 'people first' philosophy and approach, confident that the results will follow.

On a personal note, I have two sassy girls, 5 and 6 years old. As I continue my leadership journey, I am particularly passionate about supporting women in leadership.

My experience covers both global and local experience and is primarily in FMCG and Retail. Currently, I have the privilege of leading the Lion New Zealand Marketing team - our portfolio is broad including Steinlager, Speight's, Corona, Mac's, Wither Hills, Lindauer and Smirnoff.

I have award-winning work in marketing effectiveness across multiple brands and businesses. In 2018 I was awarded the NZ Effies Marketer of the Year.

Fiona Cresswell is an experienced B2B Technical Marketer and inspiring people leader with 20 years of experience in global medical device manufacturing a Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.

Leading teams of Clinical, Marketing and Operational professionals through numerous international product launches and transformation projects, Fiona has helped drive the growth of the organisation's sleep apnea business to a turnover of more than NZ$350 million.

More recently, Fiona's focus has been on improving the efficiency and collaboration of marketing business-wide and leading a digital transformation of marketing systems, processes and practices.

Fiona's strengths are in developing and fostering relationships, building a strong culture aligned with the brand and aligning marketing and product development teams with the needs of global sales teams and customers.

I am a senior executive with 20 years' global experience leading brand, marketing, customer experience and digital transformation strategies. I am passionate about the impact technology is having on customer experience and creating cultures that allow people and innovation to thrive. I pride myself on driving business results through creativity which has been recognised with 150+ NZ and global awards including winning NZ's Marketer of the year in 2021.

My career kicked off in Melbourne in 2000 in the Australia Post graduate programme. Moving to London in 2004, I spent three years in advertising agencies which provided the opportunity to lead the global re-brand of Aviva across 28 markets including Norwich Union, the UK’s largest insurer. This was quoted as the 'arguably slickest rebranding exercise in corporate history' by the Times in 2009.

I joined ASB in 2011 to lead the brand, driving growth of all products and segments, customer communications, managing the sponsorship portfolio and digital uplift programmes.

In May 2022 I moved back to my home region of Southland to join SBS Bank as Chief Customer Officer.