AANA and ADMA unite to create a stronger industry body for the future

 

SYDNEY – 11 JUNE 2026

 

The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) and the Association for Data-Driven Marketing and Advertising (ADMA) are uniting to strengthen the industry’s voice, build world-class capability and champion marketing’s role as one of the most important drivers of business growth.

The marketing industry in Australia is being reshaped by rapid technological change, regulatory reform and evolving consumer expectations. AANA and ADMA believe now is the right time to combine their offerings to deliver more value to members and better support the future of marketing in Australia.

The united industry body will serve a broad cross-section of the marketing ecosystem, including brand-side marketers, agencies, media owners, platforms, publishers and the broader data, technology and customer experience community.

The combined capabilities of both organisations will support members and the broader industry across four key areas:

  • Community & Connection – supporting a more connected marketing community through industry-leading events, networks and collaboration;
  • Education & Capability – equipping marketers and industry professionals with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven, data-led and digitally transforming environment;
  • Advocacy & Industry Leadership – representing the industry on regulatory and policy issues shaping the future of marketing; and
  • Standards & Responsible Practice – safeguarding and strengthening Australia’s world-class self-regulatory system.

The united organisation is expected to commence operations on 1 July 2026 under the management of AANA, and will be led by Josh Faulks, currently CEO of AANA.

Importantly, it is business as usual for members of both organisations through the transition period. All current member services, events, education and training programs will continue to run as planned.

Further information will be provided over coming weeks.

Jenni Dill, Chair of AANA and Chief Growth Officer at Arnott’s, said:

“Marketing is one of the most powerful engines for growth, but the industry needs a clearer and more influential voice.

“Uniting the strengths of these two industry bodies creates one stronger industry body with the scale and influence to better champion marketing’s role in business growth and innovation.

“At a time of rapid change and uncertainty, the combined organisation will provide the clarity, confidence and leadership the industry needs.”

Steve Brennen, Deputy Chair of ADMA, said:

“ADMA has built deep specialist capability in data-driven marketing, technology, education and responsible practice.

“This next step combines that with AANA’s strengths to create a broader industry platform, giving members more support to lift capability, navigate change and remain globally competitive

“We thank the Australian Computer Society for its support of ADMA and its investment in industry capability, which helped create the foundations for this next phase.”

Josh Faulks, CEO of AANA, said:

“Australia’s marketing industry is at a defining moment. Rapid technological, regulatory and consumer change is reshaping how brands connect, compete and grow.

“This move is about meeting that moment and giving the industry what it needs now: stronger leadership, a more influential collective voice, deeper capability and a more connected community, while protecting Australia’s world-class self-regulatory system.”

 

ENDS