Jo McAlister, CEO Initiative

With a career spanning over 20+ years, much of which has been spent client-side as a senior marketer at Foxtel, SBS, NBCU and the Seven Network. Jo is an award-winning market leader with strong experience growing brands through strategic and innovative media thinking.

In 2019, Jo moved across to agency-side, to lead Rufus, Amazon’s dedicated media agency. She went on to lead Initiative Sydney, winning new business pitches including Sanitarium, Afterpay and IAG; retaining clients such as Amazon, Pernod Ricard, Goodman Fielder and Lendi; achieved No 1 and No 2 happiest agency in market (media i).

In December 2024, Jo became CEO of Initiative Australia, bringing a new era of leadership to enable the agency to grow, foster innovation and uphold its ambition to deliver exceptional client results.

Jo’s focus on her team and clients has contributed to winning – Campaign UK’s No1 Media Agency in the World; Campaign Asia-Pacific’s Best Company for Women, Adnews Employer of the Year, B&T Media Agency of the Year; B&T Women in Media Employer of the Year, MFA’s Agency of the Year and Jo was a finalist for B&T Women in Media 2022 Executive Leader.

Jo McAlister CEO Initiative hi res preferred scaled

NOMINATIONS FOR 2026 ARE OPEN!

The program is free but highly selective so firstly we ask senior business leaders working within Marketing, Media and Advertising to nominate the best of their emerging leaders for a place on the program. All ‘nominees’ then receive an ‘Invitation to Apply’ which includes essential information about the process.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2026 ARE OPEN

Applicants may apply to EITHER cohort regardless of country of residence, but must commit to attend both Residential dates & the Virtual day of their chosen cohort. Attendance is mandatory and a condition of acceptance onto the program.

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