During the Leadership Panel moderated by David Koch, eHarmony’s marketing director Nicole McInnes – who has spent time at Pandora, AdShel, Ogilvy & Mather, American Express and AAPT – said creative agencies were lagging behind in offering opportunities to women.

“I left advertising because I was a female creative and I could see really clearly that I could never progress and it was obvious,” she said. “I didn’t get too bitter (LOL! Yeah right) I’m over it. I’m fine… but it didn’t change for 10 years. Maybe it’s changing now, but the creative part of advertising is probably the worst.”

McInnes conceded there may be more women in marketing than men, but noted it’s “pretty interesting” there are far more male CMOs and c-level execs.

HCF’s chief marketing officer Jenny Williams, however, was quick to argue Australia’s cultural and gender diversity is increasingly represented (Except......??) both in board rooms and in the work that brands and agencies are producing.

If anything, she said, she’s struggling to bring men on board.

“Actually there’s a lot more women in marketing I reckon. I’ve been trying to hire men, but I just can’t find them. Sorry guys,” Williams told the panel.

https://mumbrella.com.au/cant-find-men-hire-chief-marketing-officer-433877