Ghanaian become first African President of International Advertising Association

A Ghanaian advertising guru, Joel E. Nettey, has been elected the Chairman and World President of the International Advertising Association (IAA).

The former President of the Advertising Association of Ghana and CEO, Innova DDB, Ghana became the first African to lead the 82-year old organisation, which champions responsible marketing around the world.

He took over from his Indian predecessor Srinivasan Swamy who also became the first Indian to lead the global association in October 2018.

Other executives elected during the virtual World Board meeting of the association are Senior Vice President, Sasan Saeidi, Global Client Leader for Nestle at Wunderman Thompson Dubai; Secretary, Carol Schuster, Business Information Advisor at Lafayette 148 New York; and Treasurer, Venanzio Camarra, Business and Communications Consultant, Milan.

A thoroughbred marketing communications professional, Mr Nettey has over twenty years of experience leading, creating and shaping campaigns for some of the most iconic brands.

Before establishing his own company, he had been the Chief Executive of various multinational marketing communications agency affiliates in Ghana including DDB, Saatchi & Saatchi and Publicis.

He also served as the President for the IAA’s chapter in Ghana, The Advertising Association of Ghana.

Speaking after the election, Mr  Nettey outlined his plans for the two years ahead, saying “We will focus on four key pillars –creativity and innovation, regulatory issues, diversity and Inclusion, as well as Education.

“Together as a team, we will take the steps required to ensure that the IAA remains the most recognizable, relevant and impactful marketing and marketing communications association across the globe while ensuring that we attract and provide opportunities that engage and nourish the next generation of marketing game-changers,” he said.

The Immediate Past President and the Chairman of Presidents’ Council, Srinivasan Swamy, said the association was in good hands.

“I have worked with Joel over the last two years when he was Senior Vice President at IAA. His understanding of the issues at IAA is amazing, as is his commitment level to deliver on what is required. I am sure IAA will flourish over the next two years under his stewardship and I am happy to actively support his initiatives that will build IAA further”.

About IAA
The International Advertising Association (IAA), headquartered in New York, was founded in 1938 to champion responsible marketing. The IAA, with members in over 40 countries, is a one- of-a-kind global partnership comprising advertisers, media, advertising, media companies, and educational institutions.

The IAA is a platform for industry issues and is dedicated to protecting and advancing freedom of commercial speech, responsible advertising, consumer choice, and the education of marketing professionals. Across an ever-changing marketing landscape, the IAA serves as the global compass dedicated to pointing the industry toward the high-ground of brand loyalty and high brand valuation.