Women to Watch 2024: Jacquie Alley, The Media Store

Jacquie Alley

Co-owner and chief operating officer
The Media Store
Australia 

Jacquie Alley, co-owner and chief operating officer of The Media Store, has been an influential leader, advocate and powerhouse in Australia’s media industry for nearly 28 years. Since joining the agency in 1997 as a strategy and insights manager, she has held pivotal roles that have shaped its growth and culture, including head of people and culture and, since 2018, chief operating officer. Her transformative approach has guided The Media Store’s evolution as an independent media agency. 

Beyond her role at The Media Store, Alley is also the first female chair of the Independent Media Association of Australia (IMAA) and an advisor to The Village, an initiative supporting working parents in advertising and inaugural member of the Experience Advocacy Taskforce combating ageism. Known for driving meaningful change, she has garnered multiple industry awards for leadership and employer excellence, including being shortlisted this year for Campaign's Women Leading Change Awards in the Visionary Leader category. 

Alley’s strategic leadership has brought The Media Store several noteworthy achievements such as securing new clients including its first B2B account, and reducing recruiter fees by nearly 90% through an emphasis on building a strong talent brand. Her commitment to pay equity has resulted in a -19.74% gender pay gap in favour of women, aligning with a senior team where 60% of senior roles are held by women. Her influence on workplace culture has earned The Media Store recognition as a respected agency across key metrics including employee empowerment and pride in work. Initiatives like paid parental leave and a profit-sharing programme reflect her commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive workplace.

Alley has also prioritised sustainability at The Media Store, leading the agency to maintain its carbon-neutral status and reduce emissions by 28% year-over-year. Her dedication extends to pro bono work, including securing nearly AU$5 million ($3.25 million) in media inventory for Cure Cancer and ranking sixth in national fundraising for the Swim for a Cure initiative.

Diversity and inclusion are central to Alley’s leadership. She introduced DISC profiling at The Media Store, fostering a workplace where different perspectives are valued. Her approach has shaped a senior team with significant female representation and cultural diversity. Beyond the agency, Alley established the IMAA’s DE&I Council and developed an industry salary survey to benchmark gender parity, female leadership, and age diversity. Her Female Leaders of Tomorrow mentoring programme has empowered 16 emerging leaders, with all participants reporting increased confidence in their leadership abilities.

Alley’s influence extends across the media industry. She has been a strong advocate against ageism, working with the Experience Advocacy Taskforce and securing 243 pledges to advance age diversity. Her leadership within the IMAA has reshaped industry representation, increasing female board members to 60% in 2024 and launching inclusive leadership training, which has driven substantial growth in female leadership across independent agencies. As an advisor to The Village, Alley addresses the challenges faced by working parents in media, supporting critical education and mentorship. 

Whether promoting diversity, championing social causes, or driving industry progress, Alley is a steadfast leader committed to creating a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable media industry, and a woman to watch in 2024 and beyond.