John O'Neill. Credit: QMS
John O'Neill, CEO of QMS Media, has been named the winner of the 2026 World Out of Home Organisation (WOO) Leadership Award.
The award is presented annually to a figure who has made a significant contribution to the global out-of-home industry.
O'Neill has almost 30 years' experience across QMS, oOh!media, EyeCorp and Media Puzzle.
He has been credited with helping shape the Australian Out of Home market through digital transformation, commercial growth and a consistent focus on strengthening the channel’s value for advertisers.
As CEO of QMS, O'Neill oversaw a period of major expansion, culminating in the company's acquisition by Nine Entertainment in April 2026.
During his tenure, QMS grew from a small operation of five employees and eight sites into a national business with more than 250 employees and more than 2,000 sites, building a strong reputation in high-impact digital OOH.
Since 2018, O'Neill has served as a director on the OMA and MOVE boards, contributing to key industry initiatives including the launch of MOVE, Australia's national audience measurement system.
Elizabeth McIntyre, CEO of the OMA and MOVE, said the award reflected O'Neill's influence on the local market and the broader global industry.
“John is a driving force in advocating the efficacy of Out of Home because he genuinely believes in what the channel can deliver for advertisers, agencies and communities,” said McIntyre.
“What sets John apart is the way he leads: he is commercially sharp, future-focused and never loses sight of people. His impact is felt well beyond QMS, and this global recognition is a testament to the standard he sets for all of us.”
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