Allwyn CEO appointed President of Advertising Association

The Advertising Association (AA) has appointed Allwyn UK CEO Andria Vidler as its new President.

Vidler’s new role will involve guiding the strategic direction of the AA’s work on behalf of the ad industry, with the main goal of promoting the importance and effectiveness of responsible advertising.

She will now take over from Alessandra Bellini and work alongside group Chair, Dame Annette King, and CEO, Stephen Woodford.

Woodford commented: “Firstly, I would like to thank Alessandra for her enormous contribution and commitment during her time as president. 

“She has led the way, particularly in championing the importance of our industry implementing a clear and progressive talent recruitment and retention strategy to make sure we have the very best people working in our businesses.”

The association has outlined that its current priority workstreams include rebuilding public trust in advertising through its Value of Trust campaign, a focus on talent recruitment and retention in a workplace where everyone feels they belong through ‘All In’ and taking positive action on climate change through the Ad Net Zero initiative.

“I am delighted to welcome Andria, an impressive and respected leader in advertising and marketing, as our new President,” Woodford added. “Her strategic guidance and her experience across agencies, media owners and clients will be a huge asset to us and our members.”

The new President will also support the direction of the association’s work around major policy areas.

This will include the Government’s industrial strategy, responsible use of AI in advertising and sensitive categories including HFSS (junk food) restrictions, as well as the promotion of UK advertising as a global hub for the world’s advertisers as part of the creative industries.

Appointed in 2023 to lead Allwyn’s UK operations, Vidler ‘reinvigorated’ The National Lottery to deliver even more to Good Causes. 

The National Lottery currently delivers approximately £30m weekly towards supporting the arts and sport sectors, empowering local community groups and preserving British landmarks.

On her new role, Vidler noted: “I look forward to working with Stephen, Annette and the team at the AA, and building on the impressive work on behalf of members, to help them deliver responsible advertising that is trusted, inclusive and sustainable.”