Russel Howcroft
The public face of brand marketing and advertising in Australia
Throughout his extensive career in media and marketing, Russel has emerged as a leading advocate for the power and cultural/economic significance of advertising. Notably recognized for his role as a panellist on the ABC's Gruen program and as the host of the documentary series How Australia Got Its Mojo, Russel has played a pivotal part in shaping discussions around advertising. Currently, he serves as a presenter on Melbourne's top-rated 3AW radio breakfast program and co-founded The Grid Melbourne, a festival uniting entrepreneurs and innovators.
Russel's professional journey includes holding influential positions such as PwC's inaugural Chief Creative Officer, Executive General Manager at Network 10, and CEO of Y&R Brands, where he also sat on the global management team. He has been actively involved in various advertising, film, and television industry boards, including serving as the inaugural Chair of ThinkTV and Chair of the Council of the Australian Film Television and Radio School.
An accomplished author, Russel has co-written three best-selling books, with his latest, Right Brain Workout II, gaining global recognition. As a founding partner and Chief Creative Officer at Sayers Group, he remains deeply engaged in the advertising industry, investing particularly in the emerging agency, Good One. Russel's multifaceted contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry's landscape.