‘Her love knew no bounds’: Leading businesswoman tragically killed in farm accident near Daylesford

The high-profile marketing exec has been remembered as “the light in every life she touched” after she died in a tragic accident at her property near Daylesford.

Lisa Ronson was killed when she lost control of an ATV at her property near Daylesford. Picture: Supplied

Leading marketing executive Lisa Ronson has been remembered as “the light in every life she touched” after her tragic death in a farm accident near Daylesford on Saturday night.

The high-profile businesswoman lost control of an all-terrain vehicle at her beloved property on Daylesford-Clunes Rd in Ullina about 7pm.

Ms Ronson’s family told the Herald Sun the 52-year-old had been stolen “from us far too soon”.

Her husband Chris Taylor paid tribute to “the love of my life, my inspiration and greatest supporter”.

“I am lost without her,” he said.

Medibank chief marketing officer Lisa Ronson died in a farm accident at her home near Daylesford. Picture: Supplied

“The sudden loss of our beloved Lisa has left us in profound shock, with words falling short of capturing the depth of our grief.

“Our hearts are broken beyond words. Yet, in our sorrow, we hold onto the memories of her spirit, her smile, laughter, and the love she so generously shared.

“May her beautiful soul rest in peace.”

Mr Taylor said his wife – who was the chief marketing officer at Medibank – was the “light in every life she touched”.

“(She was) a beautiful woman who radiated warmth and joy,” he said.

“She found beauty in her roses, devotion in her animals, and immeasurable pride in her incredible son, Ben.

Lisa Ronson with son Ben at his graduation from Sydney University. Picture: Instagram

Ms Ronson with Ben at the 2024 AFL grand final. Picture: Instagram

“Lisa’s love knew no bounds, and in return, she was cherished by all who knew her.

The pair had bought Vale Hill House in Ullina in 2019 to swap “the hustle of corporate life in Melbourne for the dream of a rural retreat”.

Just two weeks ago Ms Ronson had posted images of the property she loved so much, talking about how beautiful it was to be in the garden at this time of year.

“It makes me happy,” she wrote.

Mr Taylor told the Herald Sun they had lovingly transformed the property.

Ms Ronson with her husband Chris Taylor and son Ben. Picture: Instagram

“Together we poured our hearts into creating a home in the countryside, a place she cherished and took such pride in – a sanctuary filled with love, shared laughter, and the joy of family and friends,” he said.

“Yesterday’s tragic accident, so unexpected, stole her from us far too soon, interrupting a life that was as vibrant as it was meaningful.

“Lisa was in a season of happiness, thriving in a job she adored and surrounded by people she deeply cared for.

“Her future was of endless possibilities, an exciting journey she embraced with boundless enthusiasm.”

Ms Ronson was an accomplished senior executive, with her career in the marketing and commercial industry spanning over 25 years.

She was appointed as Medibank’s chief marketing officer in July – a role she said she was “super excited” to fulfil as it was a company and brand that “ticks all of (her) key boxes”.

Ms Ronson and her husband bought Vale Hill House in 2019. Picture: Instagram

Medibank chief executive David Koczkar told the Herald Sun the team was devastated by the news of Ms Ronson’s death.

“Lisa was a brilliant, loved, and much respected member of our team at Medibank,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this very difficult time.”

Ms Ronson joined Medibank after leaving her role as chief executive of marketing at Coles in May 2023, following a successful four-year stint where she won numerous awards including Australia’s most prolific marketer and the Best of the Best Marketer of the Year in 2021.

In a statement to the Herald Sun, Coles said Ms Ronson would be dearly missed.

“Lisa was an inspiring leader, valued colleague and friend to many in the Coles team,” the statement said.

“She will be truly missed. Our hearts go out to her family during this tragic time.”

Prior to her time at Coles, Ms Ronson was Tourism Australia’s chief marketing officer between February 2015 and March 2019.

During her tenure at Tourism Australia that she won several international tourism and media awards.

Ms Ronson has been remembered as a ‘brilliant, loved and much respected’ member of the Medibank team. Picture: Instagram

Tourism Australia managing director Pip Harrison described Ms Ronson as “a talented business leader who left her mark on the organisation” during her four years there.

“We were saddened to hear of the loss of Lisa today. She was more than a colleague to many, including me, and we will always be grateful for her time with us,” Ms Harrison said.

“Our thoughts are with her family.”

Victoria Tourism Industry Council chief executive Felicia Mariani paid tribute to Ms Ronson in a heartfelt LinkedIn post.

“I feel like someone has just ripped my heart out and stepped on it,” she said.

“I’m shattered to read this news today that Lisa Ronson, a beautiful human being and a wonderful friend to so many of us, has been taken away from us way too soon.

“Your wings were ready my friend, but our hearts were not.”

During her tenure, Ms Ronson oversaw several successful campaigns including signing Chris Hemsworth as an ambassador, Aussie News Today and the World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards.

Her most high-profile work was the Dundee Superbowl campaign – the largest Tourism Australia campaign run in the United States since Paul Hogan’s famous Come Say G’Day ads more than 30 years ago.

Ms Ronson also took on a part-time role as Wheelchair Rugby Australia director in March 2023.

Other well known commercial companies Ms Ronson worked for in the past included Telstra, David Jones and Westpac.

She also sat on a number of boards throughout her working career and was also an adjunct professor and adviser at Deakin Business School, as well as a prominent keynote speaker, panellist, interviewer and MC.