Sonia Carreno to become IAB Europe chief executive next quarter

IAB Europe announced on 23 September that Sonia Carreno will be its next IAB Europe chief executive. She is currently president of IAB Canada. Carreno replaces Townsend Feehan, who is stepping down after 12 years in the role. The handover is set for next quarter, the association said.

Sonia Carreno has run IAB Canada since 2015

Carreno has led the Canadian association since 2015. IAB Europe says she has more than 20 years in digital advertising, with jobs at agencies, media owners and industry bodies. The release credits her with giving IAB Canada a stronger place in the global network of IAB groups.

Board chair Reyes Justribó cites her international record

Reyes Justribó chairs the IAB Europe board. Justribó said Carreno brings “a rare combination of international leadership experience, deep industry expertise”. The association lists three tasks for the new chief: closer links across the IAB network, support for responsible innovation, and steering members through changes in technology and the market.

Townsend Feehan leaves IAB Europe in good financial shape

Feehan has spent 12 years working with the board and members, the release says. IAB Europe describes itself as in a healthy financial position as she leaves. It groups media, technology and marketing companies as well as national IABs from across Europe. This month it also proposed a single way to count in-store retail media, with feedback open until October.

The appointment adds to a run of leadership changes at European ad businesses this month. In Germany, Score Media Group named Christopher Kaiser as CEO from January.

IAB Canada has not yet named a successor for Carreno. The release gives no date for that decision. The Canadian body will need a new leader before she starts in Europe next quarter.