Interpublic Veteran Cohen is New IAB President

Trade association the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has appointed David Cohen as President, focusing on strategy, growth and operational excellence and starting on April 1st. He reports to CEO Randall Rothenberg.

Cohen (pictured) joins from MAGNA, Interpublic Group's centralized media intelligence, investment and innovation arm, where most recently he was President, North America, 're-architecting' the division's Investment, Intelligence and Innovation practices, and responsible for more than $20 billion in media spend. In a twenty-one year career at Interpublic he also held senior roles at Universal McCann (UM), including Chief Investment Officer, Chief Media Officer, Chief Digital Officer, and EVP, U.S. Director of Digital Communications. He has a long history of working with trade organizations including IAB and 4As; and has been active in a number of major industry-wide programs, including the cross-industry video initiative currently being facilitated by EY.

In his new role he is charged with building more meaningful connections among publishers, brands and agencies, increasing IAB membership, and maintaining the body's key role in the industry in terms of 'collaboration, agenda-setting and leadership', including areas such as video and cross-screen measurement and attribution. He also leads the group's event strategy and will work with Dennis Buchheim, President, IAB Tech Lab to better connect the two orgs' activities and promote standards.

Cohen succeeds Patrick Dolan, who has served IAB for thirteen years during a period of rapid growth, and who will continue to serve as a strategic advisor through the rest of this year.

Rothenberg says Cohen, whom he has known for fourteen years, has been 'part of the digital marketing sector since its inception and instrumental in building organizations responsible for purchasing billions of dollars of digital media inventory annually', and cites his 'perfect balance of competitiveness and civic mindedness'. He adds: 'David's unique capabilities will help us dramatically increase our brand, agency, and publisher presence across all IAB activities, bringing all key stakeholders to the table. As a top member of the leadership team, he will continue to evolve IAB's critical programs and events to advance our ability to set the agenda for digital marketing and media stakeholders'.

Founded in 1996, IAB is headquartered in New York City and is online at www.iab.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.