Gai Le Roy appointed CEO of IAB Australia

Gai Le Roy has been appointed CEO of the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) Australia today, following her four-month role as interim CEO, and immediately launched a new Industry Charter.     

Le Roy’s appointment follows the departure of previous CEO Vijay Solanki two years after taking up the position in Australia.

Le Roy has more than 20 years’ experience working in the media industry across strategy, analyst, research and data roles, has held the role of director of research for IAB Australia for the last two years.

Previously she was COO with Gateway Research and general manager of Audience Insights and Research for Fairfax Media.   

“Gai’s track record is exemplary and her commitment to our industry is absolute," IAB Australia chair, Cameron King, said. “Her depth of experience and understanding of the issues that relate to digital advertising and measurement will enable her to lead the IAB towards its goal of supporting sustainable and diverse investment in digital advertising across all platforms in Australia.   

“The Board undertook a thorough executive search process with Talent Capital, to identify the right candidate for this critical role in leading the digital advertising industry. We are delighted, as many in the industry will be, that Gai will continue her contribution to growing the industry.”   

As part of the announcement, Le Roy unveiled a new IAB Industry Charter, which will see the organisation focus on helping marketers and agencies understand how digital advertising can deliver on their business objectives. Foundation elements include a renewed focus on standards that promote trust, steps to reduce friction in the ad supply chain; and ultimately improve ad experiences for consumers, advertisers and publishers. 

The Charter outlines four additional areas of activity: digital ad effectiveness, data and data privacy; standards and guidelines; and improving the digital value chain.  

In August, IAB refused to endorse secondary crediting for video within Nielsen’s Digital Content Ratings (DCR) product until qualifiers are introduced that meet agreed measurement standards.  

It also launched the Australian Digital Advertising Practices in collaboration with AANA and MFA in August.     

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