IAB snares ex-GroupM chief operating officer Alice Manners for chief executive officer role

IAB Australia announced today that it has appointed Alice Manners (left) as its new CEO. Manners, who is GroupM Interaction’s recently departed Asia Pacific COO, will commence work in early August. The appointment follows a four month executive search process.

Manners will be responsible for the overall management of the IAB and achievement of the organisation’s objectives, to represent and promote the interests of members, and to grow the interactive advertising industry.

Says Mark Britt, IAB Australia’s chair: “The online industry has gone through a huge transformation in the past year and with more change ahead, it is perfect that we’ll now have someone of Alice’s calibre and experience heading up our peak trade association for online.  Being able to attract Alice with her 14+ years local and international digital experience represents a real step change for IAB Australia.”

Says Manners: “The recent CEASA data shows that digital can no longer be labelled a new or emerging media. As it continues to grow in both influence and importance, digital will undeniably begin to lead discussions at the top table and the opportunity to manage IAB Australia’s transition through this growth was one that I could not resist. I look forward to working closely with the team and Board to develop our plans for the future.”

IAB Australia’s focus will remain on the three key pillars articulated at the start of the year – privacy, mobile and the simplification of online advertising.

Manners, with close to 20 years media experience and over 14 in digital, has held a number of roles with WPP Asia Pacific including GroupM Asia Pacific COO of interaction since 2005. Previously she was managing director of mOne Asia Pacific and head of interaction for mDigital.

Manners will join IAB Australia’s most recent senior hires – Samantha Yorke who is director of regulatory affairs and Gai Le Roy, director of research.