Tony
Surtees

Tony Surtees is a distinguished entrepreneur, investor, and thought leader with extensive experience in digital commerce, media innovation, and startup mentorship. His career spans leadership roles across Australia, Asia, and the United States, marked by significant achievements in both traditional and digital business landscapes.

As Vice President and General Manager of Yahoo!'s Commerce Group in California, Tony managed 14 business units, collectively generating over $2.5 billion in sales. This role underscored his capability to lead large-scale operations and drive record breaking revenue growth in the rapidly evolving digital commerce sector.

With over two decades of experience across three continents in public, private and government organizations, he help teams in large multi-national, mid-size businesses, and early-stage businesses in fast-moving markets. He helps companies scale commercially, become well-governed organisations, and adapt and respond to changing markets.

As a founder of multiple technology-driven businesses and an experienced investment committee Chair, he helps leaders in B2B and consumer-facing businesses become better leaders, creating new business models, and guide effective reinvention and innovation.

In Australia, Tony founded iPrime, the digital division of Prime Television Group, focusing on developing technology and content for media businesses. This venture demonstrated his foresight into the convergence of media and technology and the potential for innovative content delivery.

Tony is recognised for his active engagement with startups and his mentorship roles. He has been instrumental in helping companies scale and adapt to changing markets, specialising in areas such as real-time bidding, programmatic buying, and online retailing. His efforts extend to his work with the Entrepreneurs’ Programme Committee for the Australian Federal Department of Industry, Science, Energy, and Resources, where he contributes his expertise to guide and support emerging businesses.

His educational background includes a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of New South Wales and a Master of Science from the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University, providing a solid foundation for his professional endeavours. He is President of the Stanford Australia Association.

Recognised as one of Australia's top ten digital entrepreneurs, Tony is a regular professional Speaker and serves on the Global Advisory Council of Advance, supporting a network of Australian professionals worldwide. His career reflects a commitment to advancing technological and business practices in a global context, making him a distinguished figure in both the Australian and international business communities.

Tony's impact extends beyond business operations; he is a passionate advocate for creating thriving startup ecosystems and blends insights from his leadership journey with actionable strategies for building customer-focused, innovative organisations.