EAT.
The Experience Advocacy Taskforce (EAT) has appointed four media and advertising leaders as ambassadors.
Joining EAT as its appointed ambassador team are The Marketing Academy founder and global CEO, Sherilyn Shackell, Mutinex executive growth officer, John Sintras, WPP former COO John ‘Steady’ Steedman and Campaign Edge founder and executive creative director, Dee Madigan.
Collectively bringing more than 125 years of local and international experience, the newly appointed Ambassadors will advocate for the value of experience within the industry, champion the role of more mature professionals and highlight the importance of older consumers.
“I’m proud to support EAT because this is not just an inclusion issue, it’s an industry effectiveness issue,” said John Sintras.
“When we overlook experience, we don’t just fail people, we weaken leadership and commercial outcomes. In an industry that prides itself on ideas, innovation, and growth, it makes no sense to sideline people whose judgment has been earned through decades of building brands, businesses, and teams.
“We have an obligation to challenge outdated assumptions and create a more balanced, effective, and respectful industry for the next generation.”
EAT was founded in 2023 to work alongside Industry Bodies and Leaders to increase understanding and awareness of ageism and its effect on the industry, with an ultimate goal to change how people think, feel and act about ageism.
The Taskforce has closely collaborated with the MFA, IMAA, Industry HR teams, Advertising Industry Careers, various Independent agencies, and all 4 HoldCos; plus taken to the stage at industry conferences and events; and implemented a targeted PR campaign in its quest to reframe, reinforce and redress workforce ageism across Australia’s media industry landscape.
“The ad industry has figured out middle-aged women buy things but hasn’t figured out that we also know things,” said Dee Madigan.
“That needs to change. EAT gives me the perfect platform to advocate for this change.”
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