Sam Buchanan, Mike Wilson, Steve Fagan, Margie Reid, Melissa Roberts, Jacquie Alley, Michael Petersen and Phil McDonald. Credit: IMAA
Independent Media Agencies Australia (IMAA) has appointed Hatched chairman Mike Wilson and Thinkerbell CEO Margie Reid to its board of directors.
The pair join existing members Jacquie Alley (IMAA chair and The Media Store chief operating officer), Phil McDonald (IMAA deputy chair and BCM Group owner and CEO), Steve Fagan (Media Republic CEO), Melissa Roberts (Showpony managing director media and owner, The Advertising Room) and Michael Petersen (Pivotus CEO and founder).
Wilson brings more than 30 years of industry experience, including as chairman and CEO of Havas Media Group Australia and New Zealand.
He co-founded communications agency Naked Communications, whose clients included Coca-Cola, Unilever, Sony and Microsoft.
He has been a member of the IMAA leadership team since 2024, leading its Pitch-Chella program.
Reid has more than 25 years in advertising. She spent 18 years leading global media agencies before joining Thinkerbell, which has grown to more than 180 people across Australia and New Zealand.
In 2025 she led a review of the IMAA Academy and sits on the advisory board for disability inclusion certification body Inclusively Made.
Alley said the appointments brought experience and fresh thinking to the organisation.
"They are passionate about the independent agency sector and the future of the Australian media landscape, they are firm believers in investing in people, advocating for change, and sharing their knowledge to advance our cause of backing Australian-owned businesses," Alley said.
"As we transition the body into a market leadership position, we are thrilled to have the support of two additional highly experienced board members."
Wilson said he looked forward to supporting the IMAA's long-term governance.
"I've witnessed the passion, the commitment and the dedication from the IMAA's senior leaders, who have all brought their lived experience as media executives to their roles," Wilson said.
Reid said the IMAA had been critical in levelling the playing field for independent agencies.
"I am delighted to be part of the board of directors in 2026 as we look towards the IMAA's future," Reid said.
Both appointments are subject to ratification by members at the IMAA's AGM in November.
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