Hayley Waller has been appointed as the head of Guardian Labs Australia, the content studio of Guardian Australia, effective immediately. The announcement was made by the Guardian Australia press office on June 22, 2026.
New leadership for branded content division
Waller brings extensive experience in branded content and digital publishing to the role. She previously served as the director of content at News Corp Australia, where she oversaw the development and execution of commercial content strategies. Her background also includes senior roles at Fairfax Media and a tenure as head of content at a leading Australian agency.
According to the Guardian Australia press office, Waller will be responsible for leading the strategic direction of Guardian Labs, which creates sponsored content and native advertising campaigns for brands. The studio works with clients across various sectors, including finance, technology, and lifestyle.
Impact on Guardian Australia's commercial strategy
The appointment comes as Guardian Australia continues to expand its commercial offerings. Guardian Labs has been a key revenue driver for the publisher, contributing to the sustainability of its journalism. In 2025, the studio produced over 200 campaigns for major Australian and international brands.
Waller said in a statement: 'I am thrilled to join Guardian Australia at such an exciting time. Guardian Labs has a strong reputation for producing innovative and impactful content that resonates with audiences. I look forward to building on that success and working with the talented team to deliver even more compelling campaigns for our clients.'
Background and industry recognition
Waller has been recognized for her work in branded content, winning multiple awards at the Australian Magazine Awards and the Content Marketing Awards. She is also a frequent speaker at industry events, including the Mumbrella360 conference and the ADMA Global Forum.
Her appointment is effective immediately, and she will report to Dan Stinton, managing director of Guardian Australia. Stinton commented: 'Hayley’s deep understanding of the branded content landscape and her proven track record make her the ideal person to lead Guardian Labs into its next phase of growth. We are delighted to welcome her to the team.'
