Stephen Howard

2024 JUDGE PROFILE

Group Director of Marketing

Ovolo Hotels

With over 20 years of experience in Marketing Communication, Stephen Howard has had the privilege of working across various industries and cultural backgrounds, spanning Australia, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom.

His journey began at QUT in Brisbane, Queensland studying PR and Marketing, where he simultaneously managed Marketing and Promotions for high-end hospitality venues. Subsequently, in 2007 he joined The Popcorn Group in Sydney, overseeing PR and Marketing for the national social beach volleyball festival SLAM.

Transitioning to the Hyundai Motor Company in 2008, he led a complete brand evolution, launching new vehicles and implementing innovative PR strategies. Following this, in 2012 he joined EVENT Hospitality & Entertainment (now known as EVT), where I successfully launched QT Hotels & Resorts across Australian and international markets whilst also overseeing the corporate communications and PR for their other brands such as Events Cinemas and Rydges Hotels.

In 2017, he furthered his education by completing the Strategic Marketing Management course at Harvard Business School. Joining Ovolo Hotels in 2018, he contributed to the company’s global expansion, implementing effective marketing communication strategies, a rebrand and earning recognition such as the ‘Hotel Brand of the Year’ 3 times at the HM Awards.

Moreover, his involvement as a jury member for the Asia Pacific Effie Awards and as a judge for esteemed events like the Mumbrella Travel Awards and the 2024 Marketing-Interactive PR Awards underscores my commitment to excellence in the field.