Stephen Scheeler is a distinguished business leader, entrepreneur, and authority on digital disruption and leadership. Best known for his role as the CEO of Facebook Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), he played an instrumental role in Facebook’s remarkable rise from a Silicon Valley startup to a global media and technology titan. During his tenure, he led Facebook’s operations in ANZ, overseeing the expansion of Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Oculus into some of the most successful markets in the world.

Early Career and Rise to Leadership
A native of New York, Stephen’s career spans over 25 years across multiple industries, including consumer products, retail, ecommerce, automotive, financial services, media, and technology. Before his time at Facebook, he held senior executive positions at leading global companies such as Westfield, Inchcape, and Lion, an Australian consumer products giant. These roles provided him with a broad understanding of diverse business sectors, laying the foundation for his expertise in leading digital transformation.

Leadership at Facebook
Stephen’s time at Facebook saw the company evolve into one of the largest and most influential tech platforms globally. His close collaboration with Mark Zuckerberg, Sheryl Sandberg, and other Silicon Valley leaders helped steer Facebook’s strategy in Australia and New Zealand, turning it into a crucial part of Facebook’s global ecosystem. Under his leadership, Facebook’s footprint expanded significantly, offering innovative services across multiple platforms, including Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Oculus, reaching millions of users and contributing to the growth of digital advertising worldwide.

Digital CEO and Advisory Roles
After leaving Facebook, Stephen established The Digital CEO, a global advisory firm that helps companies develop robust digital strategies and build world-class capabilities, leadership, and cultures. He is also a Senior Advisor to McKinsey & Company and an Executive-in-Residence at the Australian Graduate School of Management, Asia-Pacific’s leading business school.

Stephen works with CEOs and boards of major companies, advising them on navigating the complexities of digital transformation. His client list includes industry giants like Qantas, NAB, Westpac, Macquarie Bank, ANZ, Telstra, Wesfarmers, Google, DellEMC, and many others, offering strategic guidance on technology, leadership, and the future of business.

Omniscient: A Leap into AI Innovation
In addition to his consulting work, Stephen is the CEO of Omniscient, an artificial intelligence startup at the cutting edge of technology. Omniscient is revolutionizing brain decoding using AI and has garnered significant backing from prominent Australian business figures, including Gina Rinehart and Gretel Packer. In 2022, the company won the prestigious South-by-Southwest (SXSW) Innovation Award for A.I. and Machine Learning, further cementing its position as a leader in the AI space.

Public Speaking and Media Presence
Stephen is a sought-after speaker on digital transformation, leadership, and the future of technology. His acclaimed TEDx talk, “The Oldest Guy at Facebook,” details his incredible journey at the heart of one of the world’s most disruptive companies, sharing rare insights and personal stories about the challenges of navigating rapid technological change.

As a media commentator, Stephen regularly appears in top-tier publications and shows such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, ABC, Sky News, The Project, and The Australian Financial Review. He is also a member of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s Knowledge Nation 100, which recognizes Australia’s top innovation leaders.

Legacy and Future Endeavors
Stephen’s leadership in the digital space and his ability to transform organizations through technology has made him one of Australia’s most respected voices on innovation. His extensive experience working with top tech companies, government bodies, and industry leaders, combined with his deep understanding of digital disruption and transformation, ensures his continued influence on the future of business.

As an advisor, speaker, and entrepreneur, Stephen remains committed to empowering businesses to embrace the opportunities of the digital era. He continues to inspire leaders and entrepreneurs with his insights on the power of technology, culture, and leadership in driving future growth.

Key Achievements:

• Former CEO of Facebook Australia and New Zealand, overseeing the expansion of Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Oculus in ANZ.
• Founder of The Digital CEO, offering advisory services on digital strategy and leadership.
• CEO of Omniscient, an AI startup focused on brain decoding.
• Senior Advisor to McKinsey & Company and Executive-in-Residence at the Australian Graduate School of Management.
• Regular media commentator and sought-after speaker on digital transformation, AI, and leadership.
• Member of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s Knowledge Nation 100, top innovation leaders in Australia.

Stephen Scheeler’s career reflects a unique blend of technology, business acumen, and leadership, positioning him as one of the foremost authorities on digital transformation in Australia and beyond. His ongoing work, both as a consultant and a leader in the AI sector, promises to shape the future of business and innovation for years to come.