Keith Weed, the chief marketing and communications officer at consumer goods behemoth Unilever, will be taking over as the new president of the Advertising Association later this year.
Weed will be working alongside chairman James Murphy – of adam&eve DDB – as well as CEO Stephen Woodford, who said that the strategic guidance of a “highly influential leader” like Weed “could not have come at a better time”.
“It is a vital time as we work through the digitalisation of our industry, the shifting political sands and the changing expectations of our workforce and the wider society from advertising,” Woodford added.
“I also want to say a heart-felt thanks to Andy Duncan who has been a wonderful President, providing clear and principled advice every step of the way during his tenure; he has been a real guardian of the best that we can be as an industry united.”
Weed has already made headlines this year for criticising the state of digital advertising, which may hint toward the strategic direction he plans to take whilst guiding the AA’s work.
In February, Weed made waves by threatening to pull investment from the likes of Facebook, Google and Amazon if they failed to protect children, promote hate, or create division in society; later, at Cannes, he announced that Unilever would no longer work with “influencers” who have inauthentic followings.
“It’s an honour to take on the role of President of the Advertising Association at such an exciting time for the industry,” Weed said.
“I look forward to working with Stephen and the team to continue to build trust in advertising and cultivate world-class talent across the UK.”
Current president Andy Duncan, CEO of travelopia, will complete his three year tenure at the end of August this year; Weed will take over the role from September 1.
