Alliance of Independent Agencies Strengthens Leadership Team

The Alliance of Independent Agencies, the UK’s leading trade body representing independent marketing and communications agencies, has extended and strengthened its leadership team with the promotion of Terry Martin to managing director and the appointment of Helen Anderson as their new executive director.

Helen joins the Alliance from Thenetworkone, where she was managing director, and has a career spanning 25 years at the top tiers of membership organisations, Helen is a recognised expert in marketing, PR, communications, and leadership within the sector and has served in a variety of top tier leadership roles and as a trustee on several high-profile membership boards. Her experience and vision will be instrumental in shaping the future of the Alliance.

Terry Martin has been an integral part of the Alliance since 2019 over which time he has developed a deep understanding of both the sector and the Alliance’s mission and objectives and having successfully led the Operations for the Alliance now steps up to the role of managing director.

Co-founders of the Alliance Graham Kemp and Clive Mishon step into the roles of co-chair and continue to lead the Board and Advisory Board for the organisation.

Sarah Byrne, who leads agency partnerships at Google said, “Helen Anderson’s appointment to the Alliance of Independent Agencies is a game changer for independent agencies in the UK. Her wealth of global experience both client side and within respected membership bodies, combined with Terry Martin’s deep understanding the independent sector will provide unparalleled leadership at a critical time for the industry. The strengthening of the Alliance’s management team will further empower agile and innovative independent agencies to push boundaries, stay ahead of trends, be a combine voice and continue to drive meaningful impact.”

Co-chairs Graham Kemp and Clive Mishon commented, “Over the last five years the Alliance has grown and expanded its field of influence which has reflected the growth and influence of the whole independent agency community. So, as we entered 2025, with the launch of the Alliance of Media Independents and transition of Agencynomics into our community, we are now the home for over 1,800 independents in the UK. Therefore, it was the right time to invest, expand and strengthen the leadership team of the Alliance and in doing so we have been fortunate in attracting someone of Helen’s experience and calibre whilst recognising the tremendous contribution that Terry has made to the organisation. This is a testament to our commitment to providing world-class guidance and support to the independent agency community.”