Sainsbury's tech and data chief to steer future of ISBA

ISBA is banking on the tech and data-driven marketing skills of Sainsbury’s chief Mark Given to spearhead its strategy and help its client-side membership navigate the increasingly complex, AI-driven advertising age.

Given takes up the role of president with immediate effect and succeeds Cancer Research UK’s executive director of marketing, fundraising and engagement, Pete Markey, who resigned in November due to personal reasons.

Given is likely to continue the work that ISBA began under Markey’s leadership, with a major focus on how technology, and GenAI in particular, is changing the face of the industry.

And, he would appear well-placed to steer this change. Having joined Sainsbury’s in 2012 as chief marketing officer, Given has seen his remit expanded to became the retailer’s chief technology, marketing and data officer.

Given has been an ISBA Council member for over six years and will now become chair; the Council is the trade body’s statutory board and is made up of c-suite leaders from across its client-side membership.

In the first appointment made by director general Simon Michaelides since he joined late last year, Given will provide guidance and support and lead ISBA’s strategic direction.

Michaelides said: “I’m delighted that Mark has agreed to be our president and lead ISBA’s board. Mark is one of the UK’s most respected and effective commercial leaders. His experience and expertise spans both advertising and technology and I look forward to working with him to ensure that ISBA remains relevant and impactful for members in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. His insight, oversight and counsel will be invaluable at this pivotal time.”

Given began his career at Procter & Gamble UK and then worked across Europe on a variety of brands, before joining Heineken UK as brand director. He then switched to O2, where he led the Priority loyalty programme as head of sponsorship.

He joined Sainsbury’s in 2012, becoming chief marketing officer in August 2019 and joining Sainsbury’s operating board in June 2020. Since 2024, Given has also been the board sponsor for LGBT+ inclusion.

Given now oversees technology, data and insights, marketing and Nectar360. Under his leadership, the group is accelerating investment and bringing together critical expertise in engineering, AI, loyalty and customer engagement.

Given said: “I am honoured to take on the role of ISBA resident, as well as the responsibility to shape our industry for the better. Together, by harnessing the collective expertise and passion of our members, I believe we can champion innovation, drive standards higher and ensure that marketing continues to deliver real, lasting value for people right across the UK.”

Sainsbury’s tech and data chief to steer future of ISBA

Be the first to comment on "Sainsbury’s tech and data chief to steer future of ISBA"

Leave a comment Cancel reply