James Murphy named as new Advertising Association chairman

James Murphy, founder and CEO of adam&eveDDB, has been named as the new chairman of the Advertising Association. Murphy will succeed Cilla Snowball CBE, group CEO and group Chairman, AMV BBDO, who completes her three year term on 1 June.

Snowball is credited with leading the AA’s first industry advisory group as well as pushing advertising up the business and political agenda and working on diversity issues.

Murphy will work with Tim Lefroy, the AA’s chief executive and current president Andy Duncan, with a brief to grow support and engagement across UK agencies, brands and media and build the AA’s impact with politicians.

“James takes on the role at a really challenging time – not least politically – but thanks to Cilla, he is being handed an organisation in fantastic shape to do the job,” said Duncan.

Murphy added: “As fuel for the creative industries, a driver of digital britain and a catalyst in the wider economy, advertising’s case has never been stronger or more clear.

“We have an opportunity to elevate our sector in the minds of policy-makers and I’m looking forward to helping the AA bring agencies, brands and media together to achieve that.”