Melissa Ryan

Director Incubation and Entrepreneurship @ Macquarie University

About

Passionate about innovation and its potential to solve our greatest challenges. A business executive with the ability to turn objectives and goals into measurable outcomes. Natural storyteller with excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain the complex simply. Extensive B2B and B2C strategy experience across a broad range of industries that delivers unique approaches to finding opportunities and solving challenges. Excels in collaborating with cross-functional teams in highly matrix organisations to bring new and disruptive ideas to market. Utlises the application of consumer centric innovation methodologies to test, and validate. Comprehensive experience in utilising data and consumer research insights to inform business decisions.

Country

Australia

City

Sydney

Industry

Higher Education

Skill

Leadership, Financial Management, Reporting, Negotiation, Presentations, Team Management, Research Methods, Quantitative Research, Mixed Methods Research, Business Insights, Marketing Strategy, Strategy, Management, Marketing, Start-ups, Business Strategy, Marketing Communications, Advertising, Digital Marketing, Business Development

Experience

Director Incubation and Entrepreneurship

Macquarie University

2019-6 - Present · 7 yrs 4 mos

Sydney, NSW

Director - Venture Cafe Sydney

Macquarie University

2020-11 - 2021-9 · 11 mos

Sydney, Australia

Macquarie University held the Australian licence to 30th September 2021.

Senior Manager + Co-creator, iAccelerate

University of Wollongong

2011-4 - 2019-6 · 8 yrs 3 mos

Wollongong, Australia

• Spearheaded the development of iAccelerate, transforming an innovative concept into a comprehensive 4,000 sqm business accelerator and incubator. • Successfully secured $16.5M in State Government grants and additional funding, including a $10M seed fund. • Designed and scaled a multi-faceted program, including micro-credentials, to foster entrepreneurship and innovation.

US Market Immersion

University of Wollongong

2018-3 - 2018-6 · 4 mos

United States

• Conducted in-depth exploration of university-driven innovation ecosystems across the US. • Engaged with students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to assess effective educational methodologies. • Developed a structured micro-credential programming framework based on insights gained. • Contributed to the productization of the iA education program, enhancing entrepreneurial education delivery.

Board Member

ICT Illawarra

2011-11 - 2013-10 · 2 yrs

Wollongong

Trade Marketing and Insights Manager

Fairfax Media

2006-4 - 2010-4 · 4 yrs 1 mo

Sydney, Australia

• Maximized the value of Herald Publications and Fairfax Magazines by enhancing brand appeal to agencies and clients. • Successfully managed an award-winning trade brand campaign for The Sydney Morning Herald, driving significant sales growth. • Developed and delivered the first cross-format research project for a major brand, securing future business opportunities.

Senior Brand Marketing Manager

APN Outdoor

2004-8 - 2006-4 · 1 yr 9 mos

Sydney, Australia / International Role

• Rolled-out sales campaign that resulted in the highest yielding sales month on record for APN Outdoor. • Developed strategic sales materials that consistently delivered year-over-year sales growth. • Led the rebranding initiative, including a new group logo and brand positioner, enhancing market relevance. • Managed external agencies for research on advertising efficacy, improving consumer perceptions and trade marketing effectiveness.

Senior Business Strategist, Trade Marketing

News Corp Australia

2002-11 - 2004-8 · 1 yr 10 mos

Sydney, Australia / National Role

• Developed innovative marketing solutions and sales strategies to achieve revenue objectives for News Limited's advertising sales departments. • Successfully built and implemented a business case for the National Food Section across major mastheads. • Led a proprietary research project rollout to media agencies and key clients, enhancing market insights.