About Me

Innovating, Scaling, and Transforming Businesses Worldwide

A global leader in digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategy, Tony Surtees, AM has extensive experience working with large multinational organisations, mid-sized companies, and early-stage ventures across the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. As Vice President and General Manager at Yahoo!’s Commerce Group, he managed 14 business units generating over $2.5 billion annually, demonstrating expertise in scaling operations and driving commercial success. Recognised as one of Australia’s top digital entrepreneurs, he has also led transformative initiatives in media and technology, including founding iPrime and Zeetings, an interactive platform later acquired by Canva.

With experience as a director in both public and private companies, Tony played a key role in leading the first Nasdaq IPO of an Australian venture-backed start-up, pioneering the commercialisation of science in opto-electronic microprocessor design and fabrication.

Specialising in helping organisations navigate market changes, create new business models, and deliver market-leading outcomes, his mission is to foster growth by empowering leaders to embrace reinvention and innovation, even in high-pressure environments. With over two decades of experience across public, private, and government sectors, Tony has guided companies through disruption and helped them thrive in fast-moving markets. His work with the Australian Federal Government shaped innovation policies and funded over 640 businesses.

As a founder of multiple technology-driven ventures and an experienced investment committee Chair, he takes a hands-on approach to solving complex challenges. His leadership philosophy focuses on building risk-tolerant cultures that drive innovation, experimentation, and adaptability. Combining a global perspective with strategic insight and a proven track record, he continues to empower organisations and transform industries on a global scale.

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"Your mind is like a parachute - it doesn’t work until it’s open"

Latest Updates

Curiosity Over Fear: Lessons from the AI Fluency for Directors Course of The University of Sydney Executive Plus Program

When I joined the AI Fluency for Directors course at the University of Sydney Executive Plus program, I asked my fellow students what motivated them to be there. Was it fear or greed?

As I listened, I realised that while those forces play a role in business, what really drove me was a mix of excitement and curiosity. The course showed us how C-suite leaders and managers can create “sandpits” where experimentation is encouraged, but always grounded in AI governance.

As David Thodey reminded us, standing still isn’t an option—there are real opportunity costs in waiting too long.

A huge thank you to Kai Riemer and Sandra Peter for making the journey both practical and inspiring!

Anthony Surtees Awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2025 King’s Birthday Honours

Sydney, 9th June 2025— Anthony (Tony) Surtees has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List, in recognition of his “significant service to the support and advocacy of technological and charitable entrepreneurialism.”

This national honour recognises Tony Surtees, AM’s long-standing contribution to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly building an Australian entrepreneurship ecosystem in ventures that harness innovative technology to deliver measurable social and community benefit. Through decades of leadership, investment, mentoring and advocacy, Anthony has championed the development of sustainable, purpose-driven enterprises and supported emerging founders in both commercial and charitable sectors.

“To be acknowledged for work that I feel passionately about is an incredible honour. I’ve always believed in the power of entrepreneurship — not just to create economic value but to solve meaningful problems, create opportunities for professional development, wealth creation and uplift communities. This award reflects the collaborative efforts of so many individuals and organisations, friends and colleagues I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years.”

Surtees has been a key figure in The Australian innovation ecosystem through his multiple appointments by different Ministers to Chair Department of Industry commercialisation programmes, Menzies Leadership Foundation, Stanford Australia Association and Chair of Foodladder.org as well as founding entrepreneurial ventures, board appointments, philanthropic initiatives, and continues to advocate for inclusive innovation and enterprise-led social change in Australia and internationally.

The Order of Australia recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement. Being appointed a Member (AM) represents a significant national honour, awarded to individuals for distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or to humanity at large.

Tony’s Work and Media Features

Empowering Businesses to Scale, Transform, and Thrive in a Changing World

With decades of global leadership experience, Tony brings a hands-on approach to solving complex business problems, helping companies maximise ROI and achieve sustainable growth.

Driving Growth and Innovation Across Industries

Tony Surtees, AM works with organisations from a wide cross-section of industries, developing customised strategies that help them succeed in the fast-paced world of today.

As someone well-versed in traditional and digital economies, he works with businesses that are looking to be more competitive, innovative and efficient.

Technology & Startups
Media & Entertainment
E-Commerce & Retail
Government & Public Sector
Investment & Venture Capital
Healthcare & Pharmaceutical
Education & Non-Profits
Banking & Finance

What I’ve Learned

  • In times of rapid change…The size of change your team takes on is inversely correlated with risk of failure
  • When you try to do something radically hard, you should approach the problem differently than when you make something incrementally better.
  • When you attack a problem as though it were solvable, even if you don’t know how to solve it, you’ll be surprised with what you come up with.
  • Often the biggest risk is not taking one
  • In times of exponential change – teams become change fatigued – success is a battle for energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tony’s approach unique?

Tony combines hands-on leadership with strategic insight, offering customised solutions that help businesses navigate disruption, scale efficiently, and drive innovation.

How can Tony help my business?

Tony specialises in scaling businesses, digital transformation, and market expansion. At Yahoo!, he developed innovative eCommerce models, and as an active investor, he provides funding, mentorship, and strategic expertise to drive growth.

Does Tony offer consulting for startups?

Yes, he provides mentorship and advisory services for startups, helping them secure funding, scale operations, and navigate challenges.

Can Tony assist with market expansion into Asia or other regions?

Absolutely. Tony has extensive experience in helping businesses enter and thrive in new markets, especially in Asia.

Is Tony available for speaking engagements?

Yes, he is a sought-after speaker at global conferences, sharing insights on innovation, leadership, and market trends.

What topics does Tony speak about?

Tony covers digital innovation, entrepreneurship, business growth, leadership, and navigating market disruptions.

How can I connect with Tony?

You can reach out to Tony via the contact form on this website to discuss opportunities for collaboration, consulting, or speaking engagements.

Does Tony work with international organisations?

Yes, he works with organisations worldwide, leveraging his global experience to address unique challenges in different markets.

What Leaders Are Saying About
Tony Surtees, AM

Seth Godin
Tony Surtees, AM is one of the most brilliant Australian marketers on the scene today. Strike that. He's one of the most brilliant marketers period. His work on the net has demonstrated that he understands permission marketing at the highest levels!
Veda
I have been on a few panels in my time and it was an absolute relief to be sitting there with someone as seasoned as you running the show. It was a great experience seeing the Zeetings software being used for the program. Love the feedback loop from the audience - I am sure this really keeps audiences on their toes even if the presenter has some dry content.
University of Technology Sydney
A rich background of startup founding, exiting and investing (including co-founding Zeetings - exited to Canva), Tony has also held a long list of critical advisory and board roles across the Australian innovation ecosystem.
CSIRO
I want to pay tribute to one of Australia's original Digital Entrepreneurs,Tony Surtees, AM(Big T), one of the original Yahoos who helped birth the Internet before 2000, & Chair of the Entrepreneurs Program that 1st funded Canva, & founder of one of Canva's early acquisitions.
Smart Company Magazine
One of Australia’s Top Ten Digital Entrepreneurs
BRW
One of Australia's Best and Brightest who has gone to Silicon Valley
Bill Tai
Tony Surtees, AM - and wow what a great addition to Canva. The team you brought over has played a super critical role in making Canva what it is today
Larry Marshall
Blackbird's success is Team Australia's success, and it wasn't us founders, it was the Awesome Aussie entrepreneurs that overcame all odds to be Global best of breed. Well done, Big T, for kicking it all off

Tony and Seth Godin’s Collaborative Book

“This book shows that anyone, anywhere who is armed with a pinch of gumption, or an ounce of common sense can now start a business on the Internet. Seth and Tony have produced a really helpful guide that will show any Yahoo how to get started, how to get rolling and how to get customers clicking.”Michael Moritz

“The Internet is changing everything. This book underscores the boundless opportunities for those ready, willing, and able to take advantage of this explosive new marketplace.”John Chambers

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TONY SURTEES, AM

Global Strategist, Innovator, and Business Growth Leader

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