Organization Commences Search for New
Leader
NEW
YORK, July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 4A's
(American Association of Advertising Agencies), a membership-based
U.S. trade association for the advertising and marketing
communications industry, today announced that Marla Kaplowitz, CEO will be stepping down as of
May 30th, 2025. The Board of
Directors and its Search Committee is commencing a CEO search
effective immediately.
![American Association of Advertising Agencies (PRNewsfoto/The American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's)) American Association of Advertising Agencies (PRNewsfoto/The American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's))](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2358537/American_Association_of_Advertising_Agencies.jpg)
"Marla has made a tremendous impact on the 4A's and our
industry and while we are sorry to see her go, she has given us the
time to find the right successor," said Abbey Klaassen, Chair of the 4A's board and CEO,
denstu Creative U.S. "She has re-established the organization's
role across the industry, focusing on critical issues for agencies
including how to diversify the talent pipeline, how to evaluate
various compensation models, how to manage the growing costs of
pitching and guiding the industry through the uncertainty of
COVID-19. We are grateful for Marla's contributions and support her
as she has much more she wants to achieve in her professional
career outside of the 4A's."
2025 will mark eight years for Marla
Kaplowitz at the helm of the organization. During her
tenure, she implemented many initiatives including the
addition of the annual Member Value Report, partnering with the ANA
to create multiple joint initiatives, moving MAIP (Multicultural
Advertising Intern Program) and high school programs into the 4A's
Foundation as well as creating the Advertiser Protection Bureau
bringing leading media agencies together to focus on brand safety
and suitability. Notably, Kaplowitz improved member NPS in her
tenure from 21 to 42 and improved member satisfaction by almost
700%.
"I came to the 4A's to make a difference in our industry,
support and advocate for member agencies and address the biggest
issues we faced. And I expected to do that for five years. The fact
that I've been here for what will be eight years, is testament to
the team at the 4A's, the board and especially the members. I have
truly appreciated the experience and learned and grown
significantly and now I am ready to pursue the next phase of my
professional journey," says Kaplowitz.
As part of her next chapter, Kaplowitz will take on advisory
work as well as continue to expand and serve on Corporate Boards.
She currently serves on the board of public company, Penn
Entertainment, chairing the Nominating and Governance Committee and
serving on the Compensation Committee, and serves on several
industry boards including BBB National Programs, VoxComm, and Ad
Council.
"The new CEO will build on the progress that Marla has made
and will work with the 4A's Executive Leadership Team to continue
to develop new initiatives to support our members while helping to
navigate what's next such as how AI will impact how our industry
works," added Klaassen.
About the 4A's: The 4A's was established in 1917 to
promote, advance, and defend the interests of our member agencies,
employees and the advertising and marketing industry overall. We
empower and equip our members to confidently navigate the
ever-changing ecosystem of the agency world. We ensure they remain
relevant, are positioned to compete, and have the resources to
thrive and grow. With a focus on advocacy, talent and driving
business growth and cultural change, the organization serves 600+
member agencies across 1,200 offices, which help direct more than
85% of total U.S. advertising spend. The 4A's includes the 4A's
Benefits division, which insures more than 160,000 employees; the
government relations team, who advocate for policies to support the
industry; and the 4A's Foundation, which advocates for and connects
diverse talent to the marketing industry by fostering a culture of
curiosity, creativity and craft to fuel a more equitable
future.
Follow the 4A's | To learn more,
visit: https://www.aaaa.org/.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Risi
The Sway Effect
jennifer.risi@theswayeffect.com
P: (917) 887-8865
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/4as-ceo-marla-kaplowitz-to-step-down-to-pursue-next-chapter-302203121.html
SOURCE The American Association of Advertising Agencies
(4A's)