Charlie Rudd and Natalie Bell to play key leadership roles in delivering the AA’s strategy
London, 15th April 2026: The Advertising Association has announced the appointment of Charlie Rudd as its first Vice President and Natalie Bell as Chair of Front Foot, as it builds on its mission to promote responsible growth on behalf of the advertising industry.
Charlie Rudd’s appointment to the Advertising Association follows a governance review in 2025, which created the new Vice President role. Charlie is CEO of Publicis Groupe UK’s creative practice, overseeing agencies including Saatchi & Saatchi, Leo UK and Publicis London.
As Vice President, Charlie will work with AA President Andria Vidler and CEO Stephen Woodford and play a prominent role in the AA Council, its governing body. The AA Council determines and directs the Advertising Association’s strategy on behalf of its members and the wider industry.
Charlie has spent three decades in the advertising industry and has a history of business transformation. He joined Publicis Groupe in 2018 as CEO of what was then Leo Burnett, leading a period of significant growth and creative success before stepping into his current role overseeing the UK’s creative practice. Across his career, including senior leadership roles at Ogilvy & Mather and BBH, Charlie has worked with some of the world’s most recognised brands, including John Lewis, McDonald’s, Vodafone, Audi, Barclays, Unilever and BA.
Also announced today is the appointment of Natalie Bell as the new Chair of Front Foot, the Advertising Association’s unique network of over 100 advertisers, media owners, agencies and tech companies. Founded in 2010, Front Foot brings together senior leaders from all corners of the industry.
As Chair, Natalie will lead the network’s voice – particularly around growth, public trust, talent and skills and climate action – as well as supporting the work of Credos, the UK advertising industry’s think tank. She takes over the role after the successful tenure of Pete Markey, former CMO of Boots.
Natalie is CEO of OMD EMEA and has over 20 years’ experience in marketing, in digital and media across all categories. Previously Natalie was CEO of UK OMD agency MG OMD, where she spent 18 years in digital and leadership roles. In her tenure the agency won several Agency of the Year titles, two Cannes Golds Lions for Media and became the most awarded UK media agency in the history of the IPA Effectiveness Awards.
Stephen Woodford, Chief Executive, Advertising Association said: “As we mark our centenary year, it is fantastic to welcome both Charlie Rudd as the first Vice President of the Advertising Association and Natalie Bell as the new Front Foot Chair. Both have achieved impressive success in the industry and bring a wealth of experience to their new leadership roles. I look forward to working with them both as we continue to champion a trusted, inclusive, and sustainable future for our industry.”
Charlie Rudd, Vice President, Advertising Association and CEO of Publicis Groupe UK’s creative practice said: “I love this industry. I’ve spent three decades working in advertising because I believe what we do really matters. Our work plays a key role in the health of the UK economy, supporting around 1.7 million jobs and contributing roughly £109bn in GVA each year[1]. With the advent of AI and other new technologies changing how our industry operates, the responsibility on advertising only grows. We need to be clear about the value we create, not just economically, but in the role we play through creativity, building trust and how we show up in people’s lives.”
Natalie Bell, Front Foot Chair and CEO of OMD EMEA said: “I am excited to take on this role at such an important time for the advertising industry. Front Foot plays a vital part in leading on the delivery of growth through key workstreams including Public Trust, All In and Ad Net Zero, while also funding Credos, and it is a privilege to steer it through the next phase.”
[1] https://adassoc.org.uk/credos/new-report-shows-uk-economic-growth-and-jobs-powered-by-advertising-investment/
