Simon Canning is Communications Manager Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia for Adobe Systems. He is former News Editor of AdNews and is one of Australia’s most respected analysts and commentators on the advertising, marketing and media industries. As Marketing and Advertising Writer with The Australian for a decade he was at the forefront of covering the world of marketing and communications during perhaps the most dynamic phase in the history of media. A regular commentator on radio and TV, Simon launched Simon Says after leaving The Australian and advised companies on how to navigate the fast changing world of media while remaining close to journalists embracing the new opportunities being created. Simon also handled the role of Communications Manager for renowned ad agency Droga5, is the moderator for the Australian Data Marketing Association’s Altitude Series of CMO breakfasts and also helped launch The Observer Effect with Ellen Fanning and Shine on SBS. Other clients included The Australian Association of National Advertisers, Weber Shandwick, Third Avenue and Turner Broadcasting. During his career he has also worked in the UK where as a health correspondent he covered dramatic changes to the National Health Service and the US where he began as a researcher for a national entertainment magazine. Away from the office Simon has represented his country of birth as goalkeeper for the New Zealand National Ice Hockey team and continues to play at a recreational level – although the hunger for winning has never diminished. His other passions include motor sport, surfing, jazz and trying to keep pace with his three young sons.