IAB Europe appoints Sonia Carreno as next CEO

Sonia Carreno brings more than 20 years of experience across agency, media and industry leadership roles.

IAB Europe has appointed Sonia Carreno, President of IAB Canada, as its Chief Executive Officer elect. She will succeed Townsend Feehan, with the leadership transition scheduled for next quarter.

She has served as President of IAB Canada since 2015, overseeing its strategy and operations and representing more than 250 members across platforms, publishers, agencies and technology providers.

Sonia Carreno to lead IAB Europe

During her tenure at IAB Canada, Sonia Carreno expanded the association's standardisation and policy functions and strengthened engagement with national stakeholders on advertising regulation. IAB Europe and its national member associations have also worked with IAB Canada on initiatives including the adaptation and rollout of the Transparency and Consent Framework in Canada.

Reyes Justribó, Chairwoman of the Board of IAB Europe: "I would personally like to thank Townsend Feehan for her work and dedication to the association over the past twelve years and for the accomplishments she has brought to IAB Europe. We are delighted at the prospect of welcoming Sonia to the European IAB family. Sonia brings a rare combination of international leadership experience, deep industry expertise, and a proven ability to unite diverse stakeholders across the digital advertising ecosystem. At a time of rapid technological and market transformation, the Board believes she is well placed to lead IAB Europe into its next chapter, strengthening the connections across our network and positioning the Association for continued growth and impact."

Townsend Feehan steps down after 12 years

Townsend Feehan will leave her position as IAB Europe CEO after 12 years of collaboration with the organisation's Board and wider membership. During her tenure, IAB Europe introduced its Transparency & Consent Framework and expanded its work across areas including retail and commerce media, Connected TV and artificial intelligence.

The association also established a Chief Economist role and expanded its technical, legal and commercial guidance as regulation of digital advertising increased. IAB Europe said Townsend Feehan leaves the organisation with a financially healthy position and a diverse team.

IAB Europe prepares for leadership transition

Sonia Carreno, CEO elect, IAB Europe: "I am honoured to be elected by IAB Europe as next CEO at such a pivotal moment for our industrRY. I have great respect for what Townsend and the team have built, and I look forward to building on that foundation as we shape IAB Europe’s next chapter together. This is a moment of extraordinary change and opportunity for digital advertising. I am excited to continue working with the national IABs and Federations, corporate members, the Board and the team in a new capacity to strengthen the connections across our network, champion responsible innovation and ensure IAB Europe continues to be a powerful and trusted voice for our industry. There is tremendous strength in this community, and I look forward to harnessing that collective expertise and ambition as we shape what comes next."

The leadership change will take place next quarter, with Sonia Carreno moving from her role at IAB Canada to lead the European association.

www.iabeurope.eu

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