The 4A’s Welcomes Dentsu’s Abbey Klaassen as New Chair

The 4A’s (American Association of Advertising Agencies) a membership-based U.S. trade association for the advertising and marketing communications industry, announced today the appointment of Abbey Klaassen, CEO of Dentsu Creative, U.S., as the new chair and welcomed five distinguished industry leaders to its National Board of Directors. This esteemed group of professionals brings a wealth of experience and a wide range of expertise to guide the 4A’s mission of advocating for agencies and advancing the industry.

“As our industry continues to experience dynamic change and opportunities, I am thrilled to welcome Abbey Klaassen to her new role as the 4A’s Board of Directors chair. Her contributions as co-vice chair have been invaluable and I look forward to her leadership in moving the board’s efforts forward. I also extend a warm welcome to other experienced members joining our efforts this year, and am grateful to those who will continue to serve on the 4A’s board. This diverse mix of representatives from holding companies and independent agencies will play a pivotal role in guiding our efforts, ensuring success and industry advancement in the coming years,” said 4A’s president and CEO Marla Kaplowitz. 

Leadership Transitions:

Sharon Napier, chair & founder, Partners + Napier and former chair of the 4A’s Board, has completed her two-year term and will now serve as Immediate Past chair. Barry Wacksman, chairman and co-founder, Proto, previously serving on the board as Immediate Past chair, will be exiting. 

Vita Harris, chief strategy officer at FCB Global, has been re-elected as co-vice chair for another one-year term.

Abbey Klaassen steps into the role of chair for a two-year term, bringing her extensive experience and vision to drive the organisation forward. Joining Vita as co-vice chair for a one-year term is Christine Fruechte CEO of Colle McVoy, who was previously secretary/treasurer. Andrew Graff, CEO of Allen & Gerritsen, assumes the position of secretary/treasurer for a two-year term.

“I am honoured to serve as chair, working alongside Marla to continue to find ways for the 4A’s to bring value to the industry,” said Abbey. “The 4A’s longstanding commitment and readiness to drive growth, innovation and advocacy is especially meaningful now as our industry hits a new inflection point with the rise of artificial intelligence, retirement of third-party cookies and more. I look forward to partnering with my board colleagues and the entire 4A’s network to demonstrate the power of agencies to drive measurable impact.”

Regional Directors Re-Elected:

Representing the different regions across the country, the following directors have been re-elected for one-year terms:

Central: Jeff King (BarkleyOKRP) | Angela Tenuta (EVERSANA INTOUCH)

Eastern: David Angelo (David&Goliath) | Daisy Expósito-Ulla (d’exposito & partners)

Southern: Kyle Allen (9thWonder) | Shari Day (bohan) | Michelle Headley (Alma)

Western: John Gallegos (United Collective) | Aaron Walton (Walton Isaacson) | Karen Hunt (Horizon Media)

New Board Members:

• The 4A’s welcomes the following new board directors representing a range of experience and perspectives to shape the future of the advertising industry. 
• Greg Andersen, CEO of Bailey Lauerman
• Chris Boothe, chief operating officer of Publicis Groupe Marketing Services, U.S.
• Luis Montero, CEO of the community
• Erin Riley, CEO of TBWA\Chiat\Day, U.S.
• Paul Woolmington, founding CEO of Canvas Worldwide