‘Few have impacted our industry and its people more than Lisa’: Vale Lisa Ronson
Tributes have begun flowing in for one of Australia’s leading marketers, Lisa Ronson, who died in a tragic accident on the weekend.
News broke on Sunday of Ronson’s passing, after she was involved in an accident with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) at her property near Daylesford in regional Victoria.
Ronson, who joined Medibank as CMO in July, was widely regarded as a sensitive, kind-hearted leader – a friend and mentor to many.
Prior to Medibank, she held numerous leading marketing roles including at Tourism Australia, Coles, Westpac, David Jones, and Telstra.
Ronson is survived by her husband, Chris Taylor, and son Ben.
Per the Herald Sun, Medibank’s chief executive, David Koczkar, and the team are devastated by the loss.
“Lisa was a brilliant, loved, and much respected member of our team at Medibank,” he said. “Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this very difficult time.”
Tourism Australia released a statement on Monday morning.
“Yesterday we received the shocking and sad news that we lost our ex-CMO Lisa Ronson after she was involved in an accident on her beloved farm, Vale Hill House in Daylesford,” the statement reads.
“Lisa was our CMO from 2015-2019 and was a transformational leader at Tourism Australia. During her tenure, Lisa oversaw the aquatic and coastal campaign, including signing Chris Hemsworth as an ambassador, the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards, our award-winning WHM campaign, Aussie News Today and the fantastic Un-discover Australia campaign in SSEA. But of course, her most high profile work was certainly the Dundee Superbowl campaign.
“Lisa moved to Coles as CMO after Tourism Australia and had recently joined Medibank. She was a prolific contributor to the marketing industry and passionate about great culture, great people and great work.
“Our thoughts, love and support are with Lisa’s husband Chris, her son Ben, and her friends and colleagues throughout the tourism and marketing industry.”
Hundreds more industry peers and colleagues are mourning the loss, with many taking to social media to share their memories and tributes.
Robyn Sefiani, president ANZ and reputation counsel at Sefiani, described the news as heart breaking.
“I knew Lisa well as an outstanding marketing leader and former next door neighbour,” she said. “She was truly a beautiful and talented woman and will be greatly missed by son many whose lives she touch. Sincere condolences to her beloved Chris and Ben and wider family. Vale dear Lisa.”
Felicia Mariani, chief executive officer of the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, also commented on Ronson’s passing, writing: “I’m shattered to read this news today that Lisa Ronson, a beautiful human being and a wonderful friend to so many of us, has been taken away from us way too soon. Your wings were ready my friend, but our hearts were not.”
Lara Thom, global CMO at Guzman y Gomez, added: “Lisa was an incredible marketer and was an inspiration and mentor to so many people. Lots of love to her family, friends and colleagues, especially Chris and Ben.
“I hope Chris and Ben have the opportunity to understand and see the impact she had on us all, how she will be missed and what an amazing person we thought she was professionally as well as personally.”
Ronson was an active member of a number of extracurriculars, including serving as a Board member of the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA), an adjunct professor and advisor of Deakin University’s MBA program, a mentor at The Marketing Academy, a member of Chief Executive Women, and an investor and advisor for startup business Journey Maker.
The AANA also released a statement on Monday morning.
“The AANA Board, staff and community are truly devasted to hear of the tragic passing of our good friend and colleague, Lisa Ronson, taken from us way too soon,” the statement reads.
“Few have impacted our industry and its people more than Lisa. She leaves behind a legacy of outstanding work, talented teams, and strong friendships across the industry. Lisa was a tireless advocate for marketing, our industry and building up the people around her. Her passion for developing talent is legendary. She invested countless hours educating, mentoring, coaching and speaking at events to share her knowledge and passion for marketing with young talent.
“Her wicked sense of humour, contagious laugh and the ability to find a kind and constructive way through any situation, made her a favourite and close friend to so many. Lisa’s enormous contribution to the AANA Board over so many years is a testament to her dedication and commitment to the industry that she cherished so much.
“Our thoughts, love and support are with Lisa’s husband Chris, her son Ben, and her friends throughout the industry.
“In memory of an exceptional life well lived. Farewell, Lisa. You will be deeply missed.”
She was also a Board member of Wheelchair Rugby Australia, the governing body for the sport.
Steve Loader, Chair of Wheelchair Rugby Australia, described Ronson as a generous person, and said although she had an incredibly busy professional life, she would always give her time and energy to assist.
“Lisa made an impact on everyone she met and will be missed by all,” he said. “Our condolences and thoughts are with her husband, Chris, and son, Ben. Rest in peace, Lisa.”
Vale Lisa Ronson.
Support is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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Lauren McNamara is the associate editor at Mumbrella, covering the creative and PR beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
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So sad. When I was Chair of SecondBite Food Rescue, Lisa was CMO at Coles. Her enthusiasm and focus helped enormously in elevating SecondBite’s charity brand within the Coles system, and thus with the wider community – to great effect.
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tragic. very nice lady. love and wishes to her family and close friends
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She had a rare focus on people, which not only helped in her career, but also meant that many people were actually better off thanks to things she did
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