Guy Phillipson to step down as IAB UK CEO

Guy Phillipson, the chief executive of the UK’s Internet Advertising Bureau, has announced that he will leave in January 2017 after 12 years.

Phillipson became CEO of the industry body in January 2005 when the UK online advertising industry was worth just £825 million compared to the £8.6 billion today. He will continue to be involved through advisory and non-executive roles.

“For me, leading the IAB has been the most rewarding and exhilarating job in the world, navigating the growth of video, social, mobile and programmatic advertising – none of which really existed when I took over,” Phillipson said.

“But the best part has been recruiting and nurturing a team of top professionals, and working with incredibly bright and supportive member companies right across the global digital industry. So to be moving on at a time when the UK is so far ahead, and digital advertising is a large, vital ingredient to the success of all ad campaigns, is a big decision for me. But the time feels right.”

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Richard Eyre, chairman of IAB UK, said: “Guy has transformed the IAB, creating a model trade organisation of 1,200 businesses which has played a consistent role in building confidence in online marketing.

“He has achieved this with tenacity, humanity and a lot of laughs. His place in the history of online advertising is assured. We’ll all miss him, but he’s played a blinder.”

The IAB UK will look to find a replacement by the end of the year.