Vanessa Li. Credit: AiMCO
The Australian Influencer Marketing Council (AiMCO) has appointed two creators to its board for the first time, as part of its 2026 leadership line up.
Ryan Jon Dunn, from Ryan Jon Creative and Vanessa Li, founder and strategic lead at The Giving Gala, join the 12-member board, announced at AiMCO’s annual general meeting.
Returning directors include Zenith Media Australia CEO Jason Tonelli and MiQ Digital JAPAC CEO Jason Scott, both re-elected for three-year terms.
Tonelli remains chair, with Social Law co-founder and senior lawyer Tegan Boorman appointed deputy chair.
AiMCO also confirmed its new advisory groups for 2026, the industry advisory, replacing the previous guiding council, and a creator advisory designed to represent creator interests.
New members of the industry advisory include Allegiant Media managing director Chris Parker, Meraki Management founder and director Claudia Dignam, L’Oréal Australia director of content and advocacy Jessie Wright and Ogilvy PR ANZ head of social Steph Grapsas.
The creator advisory will be led by Dunn, with Li as deputy, joined by Stephen Lloyd-Coombs (Reapz), Dr Kristyn Sommer, Hannah English, Matty Fahd and Stephanie de Sousa.
Tonelli said the appointments reflected the growth and maturity of influencer marketing in Australia.
“We are excited to announce our 2026 board of directors,” he said.
“With so much momentum behind the national influencer marketing sector, it’s imperative to have a board that represents the full gamut of the industry.
“We’re thrilled to have Ryan and Vanessa in director roles, they bring a unique, creator-led perspective to the board, which will be critical as we continue to lead best practice and innovation in the national influencer marketing space.”
Tonelli thanked outgoing directors Ashley Earnshaw and Willem Paling for their contribution.
Kinesso chief product officer/SVP of operational excellence Andy Holford, who chaired the nominations committee, said the appointments reflected the breadth of the industry.
“The 2026 board of directors and advisory committees are comprised of people who are leading Australia’s influencer marketing sector,” he said.
“From creators to agency professionals and brand representatives, all our directors and council advisors are highly versed in influencer marketing and bring a nuanced understanding of the sector to their roles.
“We are delighted with the calibre and diversity of the 2026 board and advisory councils, we look forward to their input.”
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