Tributes for Lisa Ronson, beloved wife, mother and CMO

Lisa Ronson, one of Australia's leading marketing executives, tragically passed away on Saturday afternoon following an accident on her farm in Victoria, Australia. The incident occurred while riding an all-terrain vehicle when she lost control and crashed around 7 pm. Emergency services responded but were unable to revive her.
 

At 52 years old, Ronson had a distinguished career, previously holding significant high-profile marketing roles at companies including Coles, Westpac, Tourism Australia, and most recently as chief marketing officer at Medibank, to which she was appointed in July. 

 

Ronson was known for her contributions to award-winning marketing campaigns and was recognised as a top CMO in the industry, including holding a position on Campaign Asia Pacific's Power List from 2018-2022.

 

Following her passing, tributes poured in from colleagues and industry leaders who remembered her as a brilliant marketer and a cherished friend. Medibank's CEO David Koczkar expressed deep sorrow over her loss, highlighting her impact on the team and the marketing community.

 

"We are devastated by the news of Lisa’s passing," said Koczkar. "Lisa was a brilliant, loved, and much respected member of our team at Medibank. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this very difficult time.” 

 

The board of the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) remembered Ronson's  enormous contribution to the industry, alongside her contagious laugh and sense of humour: "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. 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."

 

Anna Konieczny, Australian Lead for UN Women's Unstereotype Alliance, described Ronson as a force for good: "Just as she had an enormous impact in her numerous high-profile marketing roles, she too was an integral support when we launched Unstereotype Alliance Australia—testament to her commitment to using our industry as a force for good, just as she herself was a force for good."

 

Wheelchair Rugby Australia, of which Ronson was a board member, said she will be remembered for the outstanding person that she was: "Lisa was a vibrant, caring person who impacted everyone who knew her. She was an inaugural board member of Wheelchair Rugby Australia, and drove key change across the sport that will leave a lasting legacy on our entire community."

 

The Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) board praised her commitment to mentoring and inspiring so many young marketers over the years: "Lisa was a beacon of generosity and passion in our industry, always dedicating her time, wisdom, and experience to mentoring and inspiring younger marketers. Her contributions to the AMI Emerging Marketers Program exemplified her deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of marketing professionals. She believed in giving back, and her legacy will continue to inspire us all."

 

Felicia Mariani, chief executive, Victoria Tourism Industry Council, posted on LinkedIn that she felt as though someone had just ripped out her heart and stepped on it. "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."

 

Ronson is survived by her husband Chris Taylor and their son Ben. In a heartfelt statement, Taylor described her as his "inspiration and greatest supporter," expressing profound grief over her sudden departure. The incident is currently under investigation by Worksafe and Victoria Police.