Independent Media Agencies Australia (IMAA), the national industry body representing independent media agencies, will expand its Board of Directors for 2026, adding two new indie agency leaders.
Hatched chairman Mike Wilson and Thinkerbell CEO Margie Reid have been named to join the IMAA Board, as it deepens its capacity and expertise ahead of a landmark year.
Wilson is a seasoned marketing and media executive, with more than 30 years of industry experience and has been chairman of independent media agency Hatched for almost four years.
He was also the chairman and CEO of Havas Media Group in Australia and New Zealand, where he established the agency as one of the leading media and communications players in the country.
He co-founded and co-chaired communications agency, Naked Communications, which partnered with global clients like Coca-Cola, Unilever, Sony and Microsoft, and won multiple awards for its strategic, creative and effective work.
Wilson also serves as non-executive director and advisor for several companies in the media, technology and creative sectors, including The Business of Creativity and Hypetap, and has been a member of the IMAA leadership team since 2024.
Reid is CEO and partner at Thinkerbell, the independent creative company, and brings more than 25 years’ experience in the advertising industry to the IMAA Board.
After 18 years leading global media agencies, she has been building Thinkerbell for the past eight years, transforming it from a fast-growing start-up, into a team of more than 180 people across Australia and New Zealand.
During 2025 Reid led a review of the IMAA Academy as the IMAA plans for its evolution and ongoing value to members, partners, and the industry as a whole.
Reid is on the advisory board for Inclusively Made, a certification standard that embeds disability inclusion in media and advertising production.
IMAA chair Jacquie Alley said: “We are delighted to welcome Mike and Margie to the IMAA Board of Directors for 2026, both bring unrivalled experience and expertise, as well as fresh thinking and ideas, to the organisation. Most importantly, they are passionate about the independent agency sector and the future of the Australian media landscape – they are firm believers in investing in people, advocating for change, and sharing their knowledge to advance our cause of backing Australian-owned businesses.
“As we transition the body into a market leadership position, we are thrilled to have the support of two additional highly experienced board members. We look forward to Mike and Margie’s contributions to the IMAA’s initiatives and objectives, particularly as we focus on future planning and board succession, with board members only able to serve three terms.”
Commenting on his new role, Wilson said: “I am honoured to be part of the IMAA Board of Directors for 2026. As part of the IMAA’s Leadership Team, I’ve helped activate the organisation’s many highly successful initiatives, working alongside the Board of Directors to achieve the IMAA’s goals. I’ve witnessed the passion, the commitment and the dedication from the IMAA’s senior leaders, who have all brought their lived experience as media executives to their roles. As a Board Director, I’m looking forward to continuing to directly support the IMAA’s objectives in 2026 and focusing on the organisation’s long-term governance and performance.”
Reid added: “As someone at the helm of an independent agency, I know first-hand the value and power of Australia’s indie sector and independent thinking. The work of the IMAA has been critical in levelling the playing field for indie agencies, celebrating their unique offering, while also providing professional development, advocacy and networking opportunities. I am delighted to be part of the Board of Directors in 2026 as we look towards the IMAA’s future.”
