Mari is an accomplished Marketing and Communications leader with over 25+ years of experience at both strategic and operational levels in a wide range of marketing and PR roles in B2B and B2C industries across markets in Australia, Asia pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Her expertise lies in translating business challenges and opportunities into innovative and transformational business and marketing strategies and plans that deliver sustainable business outcomes in a client centric world where old ways of working no longer apply.

Currently Head of Marketing, Digital, Demand Generation and Channel for IBM Australia/New Zealand, Mari in her role is focused on marketing transformation, innovation, client value and centricity that drive sustainable business growth. Further, she has a deep passion for mentoring the next generation of leaders through reverse, individual and group mentoring. Mari is also passionate about gender equality and rights; at all times keen to ensure girls and women are given the rights and opportunities they deserve in the workplace and in the society.

Mari is a bi-cultural working mother of two girls, a Finnish and Australian citizen, a current Advisory Board Member, an active industry panellist, a keen public speaker and a widely respected Marketing Industry awards judge in Australia.

Mari holds a Master of Science – Marketing (Helsinki School of Economics, Finland) and Master of Communications – Public Relations (UTS, Sydney) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).