Allwyn UK Chief Executive Officer, Andria Vidler becomes Advertising Association President

Outgoing President, Alessandra Bellini to continue work with the association as UK Chair of Ad Net Zero

London, 18^th February: The Advertising Association is pleased to announce Andria Vidler, Chief Executive of Allwyn UK, operator of The National Lottery, as its new President. She takes on the role following the completion of a 3-year tenure by President, Alessandra Bellini, who will continue her work with the Advertising Association as the Chair of the Ad Net Zero UK Group. As President, Vidler will guide the strategic direction of the association’s work on behalf of the UK advertising industry to promote the role and rights of responsible advertising – trusted, inclusive and sustainable – and its value to people, society, businesses and the economy.

The new President will work with the Chair, Dame Annette King, and Chief Executive, Stephen Woodford, to lead a council of industry leaders from media owners, agencies, brands, and trade bodies, joining forces and working together on the issues that affect them. The association’s current priority workstreams include rebuilding public trust in advertising through its Value of Trust campaign, a focus on talent recruitment and retention in a workplace where everyone feels they belong through ‘All In’ and taking positive action on climate change through the Ad Net Zero initiative. In addition, the President will support the direction of the association’s work around major policy areas including the government’s industrial strategy, responsible use of AI in advertising and sensitive categories including HFSS, plus the promotion of UK advertising as a global hub for the world’s advertisers as part of the creative industries.

Vidler joins as the association invites the industry to participate in the bi-annual All In Census on 12 March, the biggest employee survey in any industry, with the results used to inform the industry’s talent development plan.

Stephen Woodford, Chief Executive, Advertising Association, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Alessandra for her enormous contribution and commitment during her time as President. She has led the way, particularly in championing the importance of our industry implementing a clear and progressive talent recruitment and retention strategy to make sure we have the very best people working in our businesses. I am very happy that she accepted our invite to continue driving our work forward as the new UK Chair of Ad Net Zero.

I am delighted to welcome Andria, an impressive and respected leader in advertising and marketing, as our new President. Her strategic guidance and her experience across agencies, media owners and clients will be a huge asset to us and our members.”

Andria Vidler said, “I’m excited to be joining the Advertising Association as President at this critical time. I look forward to working with Stephen, Annette and the team at the AA, and building on the impressive work on behalf of members, to help them deliver responsible advertising that is trusted, inclusive and sustainable.”

Alessandra Bellini said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my three-year tenure as President of the Advertising Association, working with Stephen and the team. I know Andria will do a fantastic job in guiding the association to deliver their important work on the critical issues facing our industry, as we aim to help the UK deliver economic growth and make the very best social contribution that we can.”

Andria has 30 years’ experience in marketing and technology, focusing on re-energising brands through consumer engagement and digital innovation. She was appointed in 2023 to lead Allwyn’s UK operations, reinvigorating The National Lottery to deliver even more to Good Causes. The National Lottery currently delivers c.£30m weekly to Good Causes – supporting the arts and sport sectors, empowering local community groups and preserving iconic British landmarks – making it one of the UK’s most significant societal contributors.

Prior to Allwyn, Andria was CEO of Tag EMEA, leading the transformation of the independent, global marketing production partner for brands and agencies. She spent six years as CEO of Centaur Media PLC, which she evolved into a business intelligence and data group, and four years as CEO for EMI Music UK & Ireland, following senior roles at Bauer Media and the BBC.

Andria has served as a Non-Executive Director at multiple organisations including 888 Holdings PLC, Gamesys Group plc and, most recently, luxury shoe brand Sophia Webster.  She has chaired Ad Week Europe’s Advisory Board and held trustee positions at the Media Trust and the Roundhouse as well as being named Change Maker of the Year (2021) and Agency Leader of the Year (2023) by the Drum Awards.