Michael Rebelo Becomes Ad Council Chair, Predecessor Mark Green Promises to Remain Fierce Ally and Competitor

Michael Rebelo, the CEO of Publicis Groupe AUNZ, has been elected chair of the Advertising Council Australia board, replacing Mark Green following his move to New York to lead Droga5 globally.

Special partner and CEO Lindsey Evans has been elected deputy chair, Michael’s previous board position, joining fellow deputy chair Laura Aldington, Supermassive's co-founder. 

“I am fortunate to have been in this industry since I left university,” Michael said at an event announcing his appointment at Publicis Groupe’s Sydney offices last night. 

“Two days after my last exam, I got a job in an independent agency in Perth, so I've been in it for nearly 30 years, and I love it. I love everything that we do. 

“I couldn't think of anything more purposeful right now where I'm in my career to be chairing the Ad Council and making sure that we continue to lift everyone up, and we continue to set the standards, and we continue to share the brilliance that creative energies and thinking delivers for our clients.”

He added that Mark’s leadership, “particularly in shining a light on the commercial value of creativity, has set a high standard, and I’d like to thank him for his dedication and impact.” 

“Looking ahead, I’m excited to work closely with our esteemed board and members to champion creativity as the driving force of commercial growth,” he said. 

“Together, we’ll push boundaries to ensure our industry not only thrives but leads with inclusivity, integrity and purpose, whilst setting global standards through accreditation for ethical and effective practice.”

Michael told the room that 70 member agencies have earned ACA accreditation, and 1,700 people have completed compliance training in the past year. From next year, the board will launch A+ endorsements connected to diversity, equity, and inclusion; RAPP; continuous professional development; and Ad Net Zero.

“When you get two A+ endorsements, if you get those consecutively, year on year, you’ll be able to get a gold member status, and as that continues, you can ratchet up to platinum.

“They are optional, but they will be up to the different agencies to show that they are pushing forward and trying to grow in different areas that are really important to the professional standards of this industry, and also making sure that we are accountable to the communities and the planet that we operate in.”

ACA CEO Tony Hale said Michael’s “expertise and vision make him the right leader for ACA at this pivotal time.” He also thanked Mark for his six and a half years as board chair.

“When Mark became chair, he embraced the challenge of renaming, rebranding, and repositioning ACA to solidify its role in the industry,” he continued. “His dedication has driven meaningful progress and built a stronger, future-focused industry, a legacy that will be felt for years to come.”

Mark agreed Michael is “a passionate and experienced figure in Australian advertising, and his extensive knowledge, strategic insight, and vision make him the ideal leader to steer ACA and its board into the future. The industry will thrive under his stewardship.”

Dialling in to last night’s event, he added, “Mike and I have been friends for pretty much our entire careers. We shared a partial partition together. Back in the day, we survived on DJs [David Jones] vouchers, when our pay packets weren't big enough to last the whole month.” 

Mark joined the board in 2015 and became chair in 2018, when it was still known as the Communications Council. “The Communications Council, as it was then, was in a, safe to say, very precarious position, financially, reputationally, and in terms of member engagement,” deputy chair Lindsey said last night.

“I joined the board begrudgingly,” Mark admitted, dialling in to the event. 

“I thought the Communications Council was a terrible name and didn't represent what we did in the best fashion … the best agencies weren't participating, the best people weren't represented to move the industry forward.”

Mark led the rebrand, which saw the Comms Council become Advertising Council Australia, and “during his six years reigning as chair, our financial position has never been stronger,” Lindsey said. “Membership has grown by 50% and it's fair to say the ACA is widely seen as leading the industry in many areas.”

Board members Justin Graham, Chris Howatson, and Fran Clayton agreed Mark has been “transformative” for the ACA. “He has the deft touch of inviting diverse opinions whilst also ensuring we are taking the right turns to help us move forward. His presence will be missed as he swaps the Cricketers for Central Park,” Justin added.

Mark said he is still addicted to the work, and he’ll remain a fierce competitor from the US.

“I will always be supporting the industry, even from afar, and I will drag the best of our talent at some point to New York and various corners of the world. It's not over. It's just getting bigger and better.”