Simon Traynor – Chair, NED, CEO, MD, CMO

Simon brings more than 25+ years of experience in building and managing high profile, international sports, lifestyle, fashion and outdoor brands.

He has enjoyed a global executive career with ;
• Nike Europe
• Quiksilver Asia Pacific
• Coleman Asia Pacific
• YETI Australia & NZ

In recent years, Simon has pivoted into a full time career as an independent non-executive director, with a diverse board portfolio including ;

• Iconic Australian brand, Kookaburra Sport
• The performance apparel brand focused on the global rowing and paddling sector, 776BC
• Paddle Australia, the peak sporting body for paddling sports in Australia
• The disruptive big box pet retailer, Best Friends Pet Care
• Movember Foundation, the world’s largest men’s charity
• A technology start up called Buying Intelligence, which empowers fashion brands & retailers globally

Simon is a Fellow the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Master of Business, majoring in Marketing.

Finally, you are more likely to find him in the ocean or on the coast. As a passionate waterman, he enjoys surfing to ocean ski paddling and everything in-between.

Simon Traynor 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.