Presented at the WOO Congress in London, the award recognises John’s longstanding influence on the Out of Home industry. With almost 30 years’ experience across QMS, oOh!media, EyeCorp and Media Puzzle, he has helped shape the Australian Out of Home market through digital transformation, commercial growth and a consistent focus on strengthening the channel’s value for advertisers.
As CEO of QMS, John has overseen a period of major expansion, culminating in the company’s acquisition by Nine Entertainment in April 2026. During his tenure, QMS has grown from a small operation of five employees and eight sites into a national business with more than 250 employees and more than 2,000 sites, building a strong reputation in high-impact digital outdoor along the way. John has also been an advocate of understanding attention and neuroscience in Out of Home, to broaden the industry’s understanding of effectiveness for its clients.
Together, these achievements have reinforced John’s reputation as a leader who combines strategic vision with operational discipline.
Since 2018, John has served as a Director on the OMA and MOVE Boards, contributing to key industry initiatives including the launch of MOVE, Australia’s world-leading audience measurement system.
OMA and MOVE CEO Elizabeth McIntyre said the award reflects John’s influence on the local market and the broader global industry.
“John is a driving force in advocating the efficacy of Out of Home because he genuinely believes in what the channel can deliver for advertisers, agencies and communities.
“What sets John apart is the way he leads: he is commercially sharp, future-focused and never loses sight of people. His impact is felt well beyond QMS, and this global recognition is a testament to the standard he sets for all of us.”
The WOO Leadership Award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and impact within the global Out of Home industry.
