Meet the Panellists
Marnie Pitcher
Director of Marketing & Fundraising
Variety - The Children's Charity
Panellist
Marnie spent much of early career in the UK and New Zealand in advertising before joining the nonprofit sector as a digital strategist for an Australian fundraising agency. After a year back in London working at Bluefrog Fundraising agency, Marnie moved back to New Zealand in 2018 to take up the role of Head of Brand and Fundraising at the Starship Foundation for four years. Marnie joined Variety – The Children's Charity New Zealand in early 2023 and is responsible for all fundraising and marketing activities.
John Miles
CEO
Marketing Association
Panellist
John is passionate about elevating marketing as a force for good in New Zealand. He believes businesses and for-purpose organisations need more professional marketers in leadership—strategic thinkers who drive impact with customer insight and creativity. His philosophy? Innovate, innovate, and innovate again.
“At the NZ Marketing Association, we’re raising the bar for marketing professionalism, inspiring the next generation, and building a thriving, purpose-driven community. We are committed to helping markets be brilliant”
Under John’s leadership, MA has launched industry-recognised certifications, innovative training programs, and new events. Membership churn reversed, customer advocacy over doubled (36 to 80+, with CMOs rating MA at 90+), and events and workshops have grown considerably.
MA was also recognised as one of New Zealand’s most passionate organisations, with 75% of members affirming its impact – in fact TRA indicated this was the highest score ever recorded on this metric.
With a long history in FMCG, advertising, brand development, and education, John has a track record of building partnerships, driving transformation, and delivering high-impact programs—even on tight budgets. He believes progress comes from curiosity and action: “If you don’t ask, you’ll never know. If you don’t try, you’ll never grow.”
Dean Taylor
Founder
Contagion
Panel Moderator
Dean graduated from the London School of Economics in 1994 and has been in the communications industry for 25 years, working for the world’s top advertising agencies.
His roles have taken him across the planet with jobs in London, Sydney, and Asia. Dean moved to New Zealand in 2004 where he became CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi.
In 2010 he founded Contagion a full service advertising, marketing and media agency made up of a globally awarded team with an independent spirit. Who, just like our country, we are known for punching above their weight...
Dean has a passion for Psychology, Anthropology, learning and the power of great marketing.
Event
Wellington Networking Event
FREE Event: Turning Crisis into Opportunity, Understanding the ‘Man Rules’ & Navigating AI
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Monthly Marketing Meetup | July
Join us at the MA for an evening of networking and discussion!
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Off the Clock Networking Event 2025
Absolutely, Positively, Christchurch! What is Going On in Ōtautahi?
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BE BRAVE with Thomas Barta Event 2025
Be Brave: Unlock Growth, Lead Change, and Redefine Your Marketing Career with Thomas Barta
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