Year13 appoints Laura Scott as Australian Managing Director

Year13 has appointed Laura Scott as Managing Director as the youth engagement company expands internationally.

Scott will lead the group's Australian operations, overseeing local growth, partnerships across government and industry, and engagement with young people nationwide. Her appointment follows Year13's move into the US market under the Anyway name at the end of 2025.

She joins from ADAPTOVATE, where she was Managing Director and Partner, advising executive teams on operating models and change programs. Before that, she was General Manager of Transformation at Woolworths Group and had more than a decade of experience in retail and marketing software.

Home market

Co-Chief Executive Officer and co-founder Will Stubley said the appointment reflects Year13's commitment to its home market as it broadens its reach overseas.

"We're strengthening our leadership capability to match our ambition and position the organisation for the future," said Stubley, Co-Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Year13.

"While we're expanding globally, Australia will always be Year13's home. We needed to find the right leader to build on the momentum we have in Australia and maintain the trust we've earned here with partners and young people.

"Laura brings clarity, energy, and strategic focus to the role, along with a deep passion for our mission. She understands what it takes to lead in an AI-native world, and that will be increasingly important as we continue evolving how we support school leavers," said Stubley.

Australia focus

Scott will oversee the next stage of growth in Australia while Year13 builds its presence abroad. The business works with young people leaving school and says it supports 1.6 million each year as they consider work, study and other options.

Year13 positions itself as a link between school leavers and employers, educators and government bodies. Its recent US expansion suggests it is seeking to apply that model beyond Australia while keeping domestic operations under separate leadership.

Trusted service

Scott said the organisation had built a trusted service for a period of life that many young people find uncertain.

"I'm proud to be joining Year13 at such a pivotal moment," said Scott, Managing Director of Year13 Australia.

"The transition from school into work, study, or something entirely different can feel overwhelming. Year13 has built a trusted platform that genuinely supports young people, and I'm looking forward to building on that impact here in Australia," said Scott.

"There are exciting initiatives ahead that will elevate the support we provide, while also helping partners and government better connect with a generation that can sometimes feel difficult to reach. Year13 serves as a bridge between young Australians and their next step, as well as between young people and the organisations looking to support and engage them," said Scott.

Leadership changes

Alongside Scott's appointment, Natasha Markham has moved into the role of Chief of Staff after four years at the company. She joined as a National Partnerships Executive and has worked on strategic initiatives, including the launch of the Anyway brand in the US.

In her new position, Markham will work with Scott and the wider leadership team on execution and operations across both the Australian business and the US presence. The move indicates that Year13 is adding management structure as it expands into multiple markets.

Markham said she wants to help maintain the pace of expansion while keeping the company focused on the young people it serves.

"Year13's mission and the way it genuinely connects with young people is something I strongly believe in. I've always loved that we're not just building technology tools, but actually helping young people navigate moments that can feel huge and overwhelming, an experience which I know first-hand," said Markham, Chief of Staff at Year13.

"Being part of Year13's growth, especially supporting the launch of Anyway in the US, has been an extraordinary experience," added Markham.

"There's real momentum inside the team right now, with a mix of ambition, optimism, and a strong belief in what we're building. My focus is to ensure that momentum continues in the right direction, making sure we stay sharp, innovative, and continue delivering for the young people who rely on us," said Markham.