22 September 2026: The Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) is announcing the appointment of education and marketing leader Lauren Hyde as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Lauren joins AMI at a pivotal time for the profession, with marketers navigating rapid change driven by artificial intelligence, data, technology and evolving customer expectations. She brings extensive senior leadership experience in digital education, professional development and marketing, most recently serving as Managing Director of Cengage ANZ and prior to that in APAC leadership roles at Pearson.

AMI Chair Kristie Atkins says Lauren’s appointment reflects the Board’s ambition to strengthen AMI’s role in advancing marketing as a respected, trusted and future-ready profession. “Success depends on not just keeping pace with change, but on developing the capabilities, judgement and professionalism needed to lead through it,” says Kristie Atkins.

“AMI is here for the career of marketers of all ages and levels of experience, from students to early and mid-career marketers, to senior professionals who have been recognised with the peak professional designation of Certified Practicing Marketer and our Fellows, who have had a career-long impact on our industry. We were seeking a leader who understands the transformative power of education and professional development. Lauren’s experience aligns perfectly with our purpose,” Kristie Atkins says.

In commencing her new role, Lauren will help shape the future of the profession and support marketers as they adapt to an increasingly complex environment. “My passion has always been in workforce skills development, building the capability people and organisations need to stay ahead as their industries evolve. That’s why I’m excited to join AMI at such an important time. Marketing has never been a more vital ingredient to organisational success, yet the expectations of industry professionals are evolving faster than ever,” she says.

“I thank the AMI board for their trust, look forward to working with our members, state-based committees, partners and the broader industry to ensure marketing remains a strategic and respected profession,” says Lauren Hyde.

AMI Chair Kristie Atkins adds, “Proudly in our 93-year history, our institute and its membership have never been stronger. We stand ready to support marketers at every career stage through leading education and training programs, our capability framework, mentoring opportunities, awards, networking and of course, the must-have mark of any senior industry professional, Certified Practicing Marketer. “

Lauren Hyde is assuming her new role as Chief Executive Officer this week. She replaces Acting CEO Kathryn Illy who will return to the AMI board from 31 October, following a leave of absence. The board thanks Kathryn for her strong leadership during the recruitment process. Amongst other achievements in the period, Kathryn has overseen the largest Awards for Marketing Excellence program in Australia’s history and the first national summit for Certified Practicing Marketers, both staged in September.

Press Contact:

Kathryn Illy
Australian Marketing Institute
Kathryn.illy@ami.org.au
0410 497 146

About Australian Marketing Institute (AMI)
AMI is Australia’s peak body for marketers, supporting professionals at every career stage. For more than 90 years, the institute has been dedicated to advancing marketing as a respected, trusted and future-ready profession. The role extends beyond industry representation. AMI builds professional capability, champions high standards, recognises professional excellence and supports lifelong learning through Certified Practising Marketer (CPM) accreditation, education, training, thought leadership and a connected national community.

ENDS