Simon Lee

Simon is the Chief Creative Officer and joint owner of The Hallway - one of Australia’s most prominent Independent creative agencies. His work in advertising and as a film maker has been awarded throughout the world. Simon has a passion for ideas that touch audiences’ hearts and so drive positive impact for people, business and the world at large. He has a long and successful track record of creating work “for good” in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. Most recently, he was the creator and driving force behind the highly acclaimed “Boys do Cry - an anthem to help stop male suicide” campaign.
MELISSA FEIN

With a 21-year career focussing on building broadcast and digital brands, Melissa Fein has developed integrated marketing for MTV in the US and Australia; launched ESP Australia, the global entertainment and sports partnership group during a 4-year venture at MindShare; and led Network Ten’s content creation, digital and social-integration division creating globally recognised and ground-breaking integrated partnerships.

Joining Initiative Australia as CEO, Melissa has led her team to achieve significant new client wins ad returning strong YOY business growth, based on applying the cultural relevance of brands to people’s daily lives.

An award-winning CEO with recent accolades including Campaign APAC 2021 CEO of the Year & 2020 Business Leader of The Year, Melissa is a progressive, passionate change agent overseeing Initiative’s transformation with a ‘People First’ strategy.

During her tenure as CEO, Initiative has been named 2021 Media Agency of the Year at the Mumbrella Awards, 2021 Best People & Culture at the B&T Awards and 2020 Employer of the Year by AdNews.

Initiative is also the No1. Agency for RECMA’s Vitality Index and the Australian Workplace Equality Index Small Employer of the Year.

Outside of work, Melissa is a Director on Swimming Australia’s Board, the Media Federation of Australia, and Little Colossus – the marketing industry’s first social enterprise.