Retail media goes big as global experts hit Auckland

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AUCKLAND, Today: Retail media is quickly becoming one of marketing’s hottest topics, with chatter almost rivalling AI. Revenue is booming too, with the US and UK both seeing 23% growth in retail media network advertising.

Over in Australia, retail continues to lead as the top media category—proof that commerce-driven strategies are hitting home. It’s clear that retail media has evolved far beyond just another media channel.

To reflect this shift, IAB New Zealand’s Digital Effectiveness Council is hosting its first Retail Media Storefronts event in Auckland on Thursday 7 August 2025.

Taking the spotlight are retail media leaders Roger Dunn, Global Media Retail Lead at Diageo, and Sally Tobin, Founder of Mars United Commerce ANZ. They’ll explore how AI, first-party data, omnichannel innovation and RMNs are reshaping the ad game.

Dunn, a LinkedIn ‘Top Voice’ and RETHINK Retail ‘Top Retail Expert 2024/2025’, has won ‘Retail Media Leader of the Year’ at both the REmade and P2PI Retail Media Awards.

“New Zealand’s agile, data-rich market is leading the way in retail media innovation – particularly in first-party data strategies, I’m looking forward to sharing global learnings and exploring how we can collectively shape smarter, more effective retail media experiences.”

Tobin is no stranger to trailblazing. She brought Marilyn, the world’s first commerce measurement platform, into the ANZ market and launched the go-to Retail Media Report Card for NZ.


“Retail media is transforming marketing in powerful new ways. In New Zealand we’re seeing local innovation pushing global boundaries.” – Kate Grigg


She’s also taken the global stage, speaking at EuroShop in Germany and REmade. Her influence in the measurement space has shaped how the world talks about media effectiveness.

“The retail media momentum across ANZ is more than a trend – it’s a structural shift in how brands engage consumers. I can’t wait to unpack the opportunities and tensions that continue before us in 2025”.

Joining Dunn and Tobin is a solid line-up of local talent. Expect insights from Ben Allman (Broadsign), Lachlan Brahe (IAB AU), and Alex Lawson (Market Media).

Also confirmed: Skipper Lomiwes (TVNZ), Tina Trenkner-Meade (Omnicom Media Group NZ), John Waltmann (Google NZ), and Daina Wilson (L’Oréal). More speakers are still to be announced.

Kate Grigg, Chair of IAB NZ’s Digital Effectiveness Council and Head of Publicis Media Exchange NZ, says the event marks a key moment for the local market.

“Retail media is transforming marketing in powerful new ways. In New Zealand we’re seeing local innovation pushing global boundaries. This event is an important milestone for our market, offering a platform for critical discussion, shared insights, and the opportunity to shape the future of retail media in Aotearoa and beyond.”

  • When: Thursday 7 August 2025, 1pm–5:30pm
  • Where: Maritime Room, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
  • Tickets: IAB NZ Members $130 + GST + BF | Non-Members $205 + GST + BF

Registrations are open now, but spots are limited—get in quick. The event is proudly sponsored by Broadsign and Market Media.


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