AWARD School has announced its 2026 lineup of program leaders. The national & NSW co-chairs are Josie Fox, creative director at BMF Australia, and Tom Lawrence, creative director at DDB Sydney.
They succeed Sharon Edmondston, executive creative director at The General Store and Scott Dettrick, national executive creative director at M+C Saatchi ANZ, who have spent the past two years helping students master the art of human creativity in an age increasingly defined by AI.
In South Australia, Rory Kennett-Lister, creative director at Showpony, takes over as SA School Head from Corey Swaffer, former executive creative director at KWPX.
Shyaire Ganglani and Seamus Fagan, associate creative directors at Leo Australia, will jointly lead AWARD School’s Online Program, taking over from Kiah Nicholas, senior creative at Wieden+Kennedy.
The current School Heads in Victoria, Queensland and West Australia will continue to lead.
AWARD Chair, Mandie van der Merwe: “Our new national leadership team, Josie and Tom, bring fresh perspective and creative firepower to a program that continues to evolve with the industry, and 2026 will be no exception.
“We’re thrilled to welcome them and our new state heads, while farewelling Sharon, Scott, Corey and Kiah, who have been exceptional leaders. Their fearless drive for innovation and fresh thinking has elevated AWARD School, and their impact will be felt for years to come. A huge thank you also to our continuing state leaders, tutors and mentors for their ongoing dedication and passion.”
2026 AWARD School Heads
National & NSW: Josie Fox, Creative Director, BMF Australia & Tom Lawrence, Creative Director, DDB Sydney
Victoria (continuing): Ryan Clayton, Creative Director, The Taboo Group & Huei Yin Wong, Senior Art Director
Queensland (continuing): Ryan Petie, Executive Creative Director, Publicis Worldwide
Western Australia (continuing): Tim Newton, Creative Director, St John WA
South Australia: Rory Kennett-Lister, Creative Director, Showpony
Online: Shyaire Ganglani & Seamus Fagan, Associate Creative Directors, Leo Australia
To find out more about AWARD School 2026, register for the free Info Night on February 3. Applications open February 5 2026.
