Ian Bennett

Ian Bennett is a commercial and creative director with over 30 years of experience working across financial services, technology, telecommunications, tourism, government and not-for-profit. As someone who is consistently ahead of the curve, Ian creates, leads and develops high-performance business and marketing teams in brand, customer centricity, strategic development, partnerships and risk management where relevant to the brand and customer.

Most recently Ian has helped the NSW Governments digital consultancy division (Government Technology Platforms) to develop a brand platform, narrative and communications architecture as it positions itself as an authentic, whole of government, alternative for digital transformation projects to external management consultancies.

As CEO (interim) at Viking Cruises ANZ, Ian successfully led the rebuilding and restructuring in preparation for the new CEO. He mentored and managed the business while working with teams in Australia, New Zealand, Los Angeles, and London.

As Director of New Business, Growth & Strategy at CX Lavender, Ian directed a team of 25 specialists in CX digital and data to build an in-house agile team designed for the Westpac Group.

Ian also founded and sold his business to WPP and was the ANZ Managing Director of the leading CRM agency OgilvyOne servicing clients such as Telstra, CBA, Qantas, Nestlé, and American Express with over 80 staff and 15 million in revenue.

Ian has been a consultant and strategic advisor for ACMF, FAMS NSW and The Disability Trust, was Chair of the Makers and Traders of Newcastle and is an advisory board director for Vote Earth Now.

He strategically shapes meaningful conversations and fosters highly engaged teams wherever he goes. Bringing complex, creative ideas to life, he ignites passion and leads with kindness. Ian empowers others to think, create, break the rules, and drive actionable change that impacts businesses across the globe.