IAB Australia’s Executive Technology Council has launched an industry mentorship program to support and enable the next generation of digital advertising and technology industry talent.

With a particular focus on supporting gender diversity and identifying the unsung heroes of the industry, the program will provide support for up to 40 mentees via 20 mentors every six months.

The IAB will be accepting nominations on the IAB website from June 20 for mentees from member organisations with five years or less industry experience.

The launch comes as IAB announces Rohan Creasey (featured image) has been elected as co-chair of the Executive Technology Council.

Creasey, who is Rubicon Project’s country manager for Australia and New Zealand, is an experienced and well-respected leader in the ad-tech community and been heavily involved in recent IAB activities, including Auction Mechanics Handbook and AdOps Conferences

IAB Australia CEO, Gai Le Roy commented: “The IAB is at the heart of the digital advertising community and developing diverse, resilient and emotionally strong leaders with support from industry leaders outside of their organisations is something we are incredibly passionate about.

“Rohan who has that rare combination of strong technical and leadership skills will be a superb leader for the Executive Technology Council and to help guide the Mentorship Program and other projects being driven by this group.”

Rohan Creasey commented: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to help drive the Executive Technology Council’s program of works as we come together to contribute to the betterment of the industry here in Australia.

“I’m looking forward to our next phase of projects including today’s launch of the mentoring program.”

The Executive Tech Council is made up of 16 organisations including Rubicon Project, PubMatic, The Trade Desk, LinkedIn, News Corp, Seven West Media, Spotify and Verizon Media.

It is focused on providing leadership, insights and guidance from a technological perspective – with a particular emphasis on the digital value chain.

Jonas Jaanimagi, IAB Tech Lead is Rohan’s co-chair of the Council.

The launch and running of the mentorship program align with the overall purpose of IAB Australia to work collaboratively with the industry to develop a diverse and sustainable digital advertising industry.