The Advertising Association has bolstered its senior team with the appointment of Charlie Rudd as its first vice-president and Natalie Bell as chair of Front Foot, as the organisation builds on its mission to promote responsible growth on behalf of the advertising industry.
The appointment of Rudd, who is CEO of Publicis Groupe UK’s creative practice, overseeing agencies including Saatchi & Saatchi, Leo UK and Publicis London, follows a governance review in 2025, which created the new vice-president role.
He will now work closely 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 organisation’s strategy on behalf of its members and the wider industry.
Rudd 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, Rudd has worked with some of the world’s most recognised brands, including John Lewis, McDonald’s, Vodafone, Audi, Barclays, Unilever and BA.
Rudd 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.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Bell succeeds Cancer Research UK marketing chief Pete Markey as the new chair of Front Foot, the organisation’s 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, she 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.
Bell is CEO of OMD EMEA and has over 20 years’ experience in marketing, digital and media across all categories. Previously she was CEO of UK OMD agency MG OMD, where she spent 18 years in digital and leadership roles. In her tenure the agency became the most awarded UK media agency in the history of the IPA Effectiveness Awards.
Bell 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.”
Stephen Woodford commented “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.”
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