The Advertising Association has snapped up Keith Weed, CMO of Unilever and advocate of authenticity.

He'll be stepping up to replace Traveltopia chief executive Andy Duncan. Weed will work alongside the body chairman, James Murphy of adam&eveDDB, and chief executive, Stephen Woodford.

Weed is hardly quiet when it comes to calling out discrepancies in the influencer marketing space. Back in June, Unilever slapped a ban on influencers found to be buying fake followers. 

This action led other brands to enforce a crackdown on influencers.

“It’s an honour to take on the role of president of the Advertising Association at such an exciting time for the industry. 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.” Weed said regarding the role. 

Leading the charge

“Keith is a highly influential leader of marketing and advertising on the world stage and his strategic guidance on the biggest issues we face as an industry, not just here in the UK, but as the leading global hub for brands, media owners and agencies could not come at a better time. I know he will bring great insight and energy to our work over the coming years," chief exec Stephen Woodford said regarding the hire.

“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. 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.”