The industry’s social purpose organisation UnLtd has appointed IAB Australia’s Gai Le Roy, Nova’s Nicole Bence and OMD’s Sian Whitnall to its board.
They join Karen Halligan (Chair), James Bayes, Jason Tonelli, Philippa Wainiqolo, Amanda Henderson and Paul Sigaloff.
The appointments come at a pivotal time for UnLtd as the organisation builds on two decades of impact and embarks on an ambitious growth strategy to expand its reach, deepen industry engagement and sharpen its focus on prevention to tackle systemic disadvantage.
As some of the industry’s most influential leaders, Le Roy, Bence and Whitnall bring extensive expertise and networks across digital, media, commercial partnerships and agency leadership.
“It’s an exciting time for UnLtd, with strong leadership, a clear vision and ambitious plans to scale our impact. We are delighted to welcome three highly respected industry leaders to our Board as we enter this next phase of growth,” Halligan said.
“Each has been a passionate supporter of UnLtd for many years, generously contributing their time, expertise and advocacy behind the scenes. We’re thrilled to see them formally join the Board and look forward to the leadership and perspective they will bring.”
Gai Le Roy, CEO of IAB Australia said: “I’ve supported UnLtd from the sidelines for many years and seen first-hand the difference it makes for young people facing real disadvantage. Improving mental health support and outcomes for young people is a real passion of mine, and I’m excited to move from supporter to Board Director, helping support UnLtd as it grows its impact for the next generation.”
Nicole Bence, chief commercial officer of NOVA commented: “I’ve supported UnLtd in many different ways over the years – whether climbing mountains, captaining cricket teams, or participating as both an inmate and a guard. Every experience has reinforced the same thing: individual perspective isn’t enough. We need systemic change. That’s why I’m joining the Board – to help galvanise our industry’s collective power to end systemic disadvantage. Raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 in NSW is exactly that kind of work.”
Sian Whitnall, CEO of OMD added: “Our industry is navigating enormous change, it’s never been more important that we show up for something bigger than ourselves. When I think about the moments that have genuinely stayed with me in this industry, so many of them come back to UnLtd — the way it brings us together, challenges our perspective, and turns intent into real action. It’s powerful, and it matters. Joining the Board is a chance to give back to something that’s given a lot to me, and to help push that impact even further across our industry.”
