The In-House Agency Council (IHAC) has revealed its judging panel for the IHAC Awards 2026.
The awards offer industry recognition and PR exposure, with 26 senior marketing, creative, media and platform leaders judging the best in-house and hybrid work across Australia and New Zealand.
This year’s judges include some of the most influential decision-makers shaping brands from the inside, spanning Amazon, TikTok, Westpac, Telstra, Optus, Sportsbet, Mars, Bupa, Youi, Sydney Opera House, Seek, Wesfarmers Health, Bentley Systems, Val Morgan, Nexxen, Springboards.ai,-lution and more.
How far in-house has evolved
Now in its fourth year, the IHAC Awards features eight categories, including new awards for Best Use of AI, Best Use of Media and Leader of the Year.
Abby Blackmore, head of IHAC, says the calibre of the judging panel underscores how far the in-house model has come.
“In-house and hybrid teams are producing work at an extraordinary pace and scale. Last year we saw nearly triple the number of entries, which tells us just how quickly in-house capability is growing and how much pride teams are taking in their work.
“This judging panel reflects the reality of where great work is coming from today – inside brands. To be judged by leaders of this calibre is meaningful recognition. In 2026, we’re excited to see even more teams put their hands up and showcase what they’ve created,” says Blackmore.
Confirmed judges for the IHAC Awards 2026 include:
All judges will also take part in assessing the overall Agency of the Year award.
Best Integrated Campaign & Best Use of Media
- Mike Worden – chief media officer, -lution (lead judge)
- Kate Blakeley – agency development manager, Amazon
- Liam O’Meara – national sales director – digital, Val Morgan
- Tanja Williams – head of client success APAC, Nexxen (lead judge)
- Liana Dubois – managing director ANZ, Entertainment Partners
- Tim Hernardi – general manager, marketing, Sportsbet Benjamin Oliver – media & ICP lead ANZ – pet nutrition, Mars
- Phil Spurden – associate director, digital marketing, Optus
Best Creative Work & Award for Good
- Nick Thomas – partner, -lution (lead judge)
- Anna Jackson – head of brand, content & creative, Westpac
- Sheena Sudra – executive director, marketing, Keypath Education
- Pete Randeria – marketing director, T2 (lead judge)
- Naomi Driver – general manager marketing, Bupa
- Kerry Kalcher – head of marketing & engagement, Canteen
- Melissa Gamble – national marketing & communications manager, Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia
- Gemma Poesaste – head of in-house agency, roam, Telstra
Best Use of AI & Award for Agility
- Adam Murphy – insights & innovation, -lution (lead judge)
- Pip Bingemann – founder & CEO, Springboards.ai
- Nichola Quail – co-founder & APAC member, AI Marketers Guild
- Victoria Walker – chief of staff, design, Bentley Systems (lead judge)
- Sophie Harris – senior manager, brand & marketing operations, Wesfarmers Health
- Angela Greenwood – chief marketing officer, Youi
- Sarah Hetherington – executive manager, creative services, CBAgency
Leader of the Year
- Abby Blackmore – head of IHAC (lead judge)
- Amy Lee – recruitment lead, -lution
- Kelly Umberfield – head of agency AU/NZ, TikTok
- Alexander Concannon – chief marketing officer, Valiant
- Belinda Watson – head of APAC content & creative studio, Seek
- Stephen O’Connor – general manager marketing, Sydney Opera House
- Michael Sinclair – head of brand performance, DDB
Entries close on February 6, 2026.
