—— 2026 AWARDS NOW OPEN
Meet the Team
DRIVING THE FUTURE OF INNOVATION
The People Behind Consensus
For more than 25 years, Consensus has brought together experienced leaders from business, investment, innovation, marketing and industry to identify and support organisations with genuine commercial potential.
Our team is united by a shared belief that innovation deserves more than recognition. It deserves opportunity.
Together, we work to connect innovators with industry leaders, investors, partners and decision-makers through a platform built on credibility, integrity and long-term impact.
As Consensus continues to evolve, our team remains focused on one objective: helping identify what comes next and creating the pathways that help it succeed.
INTRODUCING
Julian Day
FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN
CONSENSUS
Consensus Awards was founded by Julian Day in 2000 with a clear vision: to create a structured and credible way to identify innovation with real commercial potential.
At a time when many awards focused on visibility rather than substance, the program was designed to apply discipline, consistency and independent evaluation to recognise organisations at an early stage of growth.
Over the past 25 years, this approach has remained unchanged.
The continued accuracy of the program, reflected in the long-term success of its winners, is a direct result of that original vision.
Beyond the awards themselves, Julian has spent more than two decades building relationships between innovators, industry leaders, investors and decision-makers, helping create opportunities that support growth, collaboration and commercial success.
As Consensus enters its next phase, including expanded events, industry partnerships, university collaboration and the development of an investment pathway, Julian continues to guide the strategic direction of the organisation while remaining committed to identifying and supporting the next generation of innovators shaping Australia's future.
INTRODUCING
Andrew Hayes
FUND MANAGER & FINANCIAL STRATEGIST
Andrew Hayes is an experienced investment professional and Fund Manager at iMoney, with a strong background in investment management, capital growth strategies and supporting businesses through critical stages of development.
Throughout his career, Andrew has worked closely with investors, entrepreneurs and growing organisations, helping to identify opportunities with strong commercial potential and long-term value.
As Fund Manager for the proposed Consensus Winners Fund, Andrew plays a key role in the next evolution of the Consensus ecosystem, creating pathways that connect validated innovation with investment opportunities.
His expertise in evaluating businesses, managing investment portfolios and supporting sustainable growth aligns closely with the Consensus mission of identifying organisations with the potential to become tomorrow's success stories.
As Consensus expands beyond recognition into investment and growth initiatives, Andrew's leadership will help ensure promising innovators have access to the capital, networks and support required to achieve their full potential.
INTRODUCING
Dani Tillett
STRATEGIC MARKETING DIRECTOR
Dani Tillett is the Founder and Managing Director of The Ripe Idea, an Australian strategic marketing, branding and public relations agency that helps organisations build credibility, visibility and long-term commercial success.
With more than 20 years of experience across marketing, communications and business strategy, Dani has worked with startups, SMEs, industry leaders and multinational organisations to develop brands, launch products, generate media coverage and drive sustainable growth.
As Strategic Marketing, Brand & Growth Director for Consensus, Dani leads the organisation's marketing, communications, sponsorship, public relations, event management and growth initiatives, helping position Consensus for its next phase of expansion.
Her passion for innovation, entrepreneurship and meaningful connection aligns closely with the Consensus mission of identifying organisations with genuine commercial potential and creating opportunities for them to succeed.
As Consensus continues to evolve through awards, events, industry engagement, strategic partnerships and future investment initiatives, Dani plays a key role in growing the brand, strengthening stakeholder relationships and building a platform that supports innovators well beyond recognition.
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