Mew Steps Up to Lead IAB in the UK

In the UK, the IAB has named Jon Mew as its new CEO, replacing Guy Phillipson who is stepping down after 12 years in the role.

Phillipson announced in July that he would be leaving, and said he planned to stay involved in the media sector through advisory and non-exec roles. Mew steps up from the post of COO, which he has held since September 2014. He joined the organication six years earlier as its first Head of Mobile, before moving into the role of Director of Mobile and Operations. Before joining, he worked at Freeserve and Orange, in senior marketing roles. He takes over the new role on 13th January.

Richard Eyre CBE, IAB UK Chairman, who led the search, comments: 'The IAB will soon represent a £10 billion industry in this country, more complex and variegated than any other media sector. However, this scale comes with no slowing of innovation and will continue to adapt, demanding both agility of mind and positivity of action. Jon not only has a deep understanding of the workings of the IAB today, he has a compelling vision for its future and proven skills to execute on a demanding strategy. I'm excited to be working with him and his team to deliver it'.

Mew himself says it is 'a thrilling and exacting time to be taking this role', explaining: 'The sensational range of digital services that have become part of our daily life are primarily funded by advertising. I want to re-assert positivity around this'.

Phillipson said the role had 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'. He added: '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'.

The IAB (Internet Advertising Bureau) is online at www.iabuk.net .