AXIS Speaks returns with top international line up featuring NotCo CMO Fernando Machado, FIG CCO Justine Armour and other creative thinkers

The Commercial Communications Council (The Comms Council) has announced the return of the AXIS Speaks Festival of Creativity with an even bigger line up, to be held on the morning of Thursday, April 11 at Shed 10.

This year’s speakers include some of the world’s leading creative thinkers and will appeal to anyone working in our industry seeking inspiration and insight into the power of creativity:

Fernando Machado, global chief marketing officer, NotCo (USA) – Fernando Machado, a visionary global marketer, is the global CMO of NotCo, a $1.5 billion unicorn startup disrupting food tech with AI. Formerly CMO at Activision Blizzard, he led marketing for iconic gaming titles. With 7 years at Restaurant Brands International and 18 at Unilever, he has created some of the world’s most recognised marketing campaigns.

Justine Armour, partner and chief creative officer, FIG (USA) – With a rich 25-year background in the advertising industry, Australian expat Justine Armour has spearheaded creative teams for globally renowned agencies such as Wieden+Kennedy, 72&Sunny, and Grey Group. Currently, she serves as a partner and chief creative officer at Fig in New York.

Tara McKenty, chief innovation officer, and co-executive creative director at BMF (AUS) – McKenty began her career at TBWA in New Zealand, later contributing to Saatchi & Saatchi in Sydney and Google. A trailblazer, she founded Rare with Google, promoting opportunities for underrepresented creatives. Tara’s notable achievements include leading an award-winning OPSM campaign, recognized globally for its effectiveness, and amassing over two hundred awards, including D&AD pencils and Cannes Lions.

Jack Trolove, artist (NZ) – Jack Trolove, an Aotearoa/New Zealand artist with over 20 years of experience, explores embodiment and liminality in his work. He has exhibited internationally, received awards, and pursued a doctorate at Auckland University. Jack’s recent acclaimed exhibition, ‘Tenderise,’ reflects his evolution as a painter. Alongside his art career, he has taught in academic settings, including fine arts and gender studies.

Says Josh Moore, this year’s AXIS convenor and CCO/co-founder, Pitchblack: “We are so excited to have such a brilliant line-up of speakers for AXIS Speaks this year. AXIS is such an important event in recognising the mahi of New Zealand’s creative community and it seems only fitting that we would take advantage of everyone being together to inspire the next 12 months of work with some incredible creative speakers.”

AXIS Speaks is intended for all advertising and marketing professionals who value creativity in their work. The Comms Council encourage advertisers, agencies and production professionals to get their tickets early to ensure they don’t miss out.

AXIS speaks is also where the Aotearoa Young Lions winners are announced ahead of representing New Zealand at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity.

Early bird tickets are on sale now and off the back of last year’s success this is sure to sell out fast.

To find out more about the Young Lions Competition head over to www.commscouncil.nz/younglions

To find out more about AXIS Speaks and to purchase tickets head over to www.commscouncil.nz/axis