Yahoo Academy 2022: Top Kiwis selected into talent-building programme

AUCKLAND, Today: Thirty-nine of the AUNZ ad industry’s emerging leaders have scored spots in Yahoo’s talent building programme. Four are from NZ agencies; 36 from Australia.

The Yahoo Academy returns as a two-day in-person event on June 14-15 in Sydney.

The Kiwis – Kate Fenton (dentsu), Keegan Flood (FCB), Galib Hossain (PHD) and Mehrsa Arefi (Wavemaker) – have been chosen to take part in this year’s personal and professional brand building programme.

Melbourne-based Yahoo ANZ sales GM Rachel Page said: “Nominations flooded in from senior leaders in brands, advertising and media agencies across New Zealand and Australia. 

“This year’s agenda boasts an impressive lineup of local and international speakers including young entrepreneur Jack Bloomfield, future of work author Rishad Tobaccowala, international brand strategist Nicole Hatherley and industry pitch legend Greg Graham. 

“In addition to these inspirational speaker sessions, the Class of 2022 will undergo unique brand building workshops, mentoring, industry networking and a live pitch-off event. Winners of the pitch-off will be awarded a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Advertising Week New York this September.

“Over the years we’ve fine-tuned the programme into a winning formula that squeezes the very best out of our industry’s rising talent. It’s become a gateway to success for future leaders.”

“The Yahoo Academy online masterclass series, a virtual extension of the programme that launched to the wider industry in 2020, will continue later this year.

“Over the years we’ve fine-tuned the Yahoo Academy programme into a winning formula that squeezes the very best out of our industry’s rising talent. It’s become a gateway to success for future leaders.

“It’s no secret our industry is currently experiencing a talent crisis. So it’s never been more important for leaders to support and nurture young professionals.

“Thank you to the leaders who nominated, to all who applied, and congratulations to those that made it into the program. We can’t wait to meet you in person and begin supercharging your brand building journey!”

Galib Hossain from PHD Media NZ said: “I am very thankful and honoured to join Yahoo Academy’s Class of 2022. What an incredible opportunity to meet and learn from industry leaders and meet other like-minded people from across Australia and New Zealand.

“My curiosity for the digital industry began back in the dial up internet and Yahoo messenger days so I can’t wait to learn from those who have been around from the start and know it best.”

• adtech.yahooinc.com