the Advertising Council Australia (ACA) has opened entries for the 2026 Young Lions Australia Competition, appointing five jury chairs who will lead judging across the categories of Media, Marketing, Digital, Film and PR.
In 2026, Aimee Buchanan, CEO of WPP Media ANZ, will head the Media category and Mim Haysom, executive general manager of brand & customer experience at Suncorp Group, will oversee Marketing.
Emma Robbins, chief creative officer at M+C Saatchi, takes charge of Digital; Ant Melder, co-founder and creative partner at Cocogun, will lead Film; and Simone Gupta, co-founder of Supermassive, will chair PR.
ACA CEO Tony Hale said the calibre of this year’s Jury Chairs reflects the competition’s growing prestige and its role in championing young creative excellence.
“With such an exceptional lineup of Jury Chairs, the Young Lions Australia competition remains the ultimate platform for emerging professionals across the industry, a place where ambition meets opportunity and our future stars are made,” Hale said.
Early bird registrations 5pm AEDT, December 19, 2025. Registrations close on February 5, 2026, with the briefing webinar on February 12.
Entries due on February 15, with winner announcements on March 27.
Cannes Lions is being held June 22 – 26, 2026.
“Our 2025 team didn’t just represent Australia, they set a new benchmark for what’s possible when talented young professionals come together,” said Hale.
“Their ideas and camaraderie were outstanding, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they achieved.
“The 2026 competition will continue that momentum and give another ten champions the chance to shine on the global stage.”
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