The IAPA Finalises Merger With ADMA Australia

ADMA CEO Jodie Sangster has announced that IAPA has now officially merged with the Association for Data-driven Marketing and Advertising.

Members passed a special resolution at the Annual General Meeting earlier this week in Melbourne for the merger. IAPA will continue to operate as a separate business unit within ADMA, with a new IAPA Specialist Advisory Committee (ISAC).

“Last year we entered into a partnership with IAPA to bridge the gap between data analytics and business, and in particular the marketing function. IAPA will operate as an integrated division of ADMA. We will now operate as one entity,” said Sangster.

She thanked all past board members and in particular Doug Campbell, director, Deloitte Analytics (VIC) and chair of IAPA for the last 6 years, for his work in bringing the merger to fruition. Campbell will now step down as chair, but continues to be an important part of IAPA’s future. 

Sangster also announced the formation of the new ISAC. The new chair, nominated by the new advisory committee, is Antony Ugoni (pictured, head of marketplace analytics at Seek.

He is joined by four board members who will continue to advise on IAPA’s future, and now also Mark Hunter who heads up the analytics department at Coles Financial Services, Peter O’Hanlon, CAO, Revelian and Kathryn Buttler, senior manager, Advanced Analytics, ANZ.

“Analytics is now critical in driving business ahead in the global economy and IAPA is looking to significantly expand its footprint and increase its offerings to members,” said Sangster.

“Antony, Mark and Kathryn bring a wealth of experience in analytics from leading data-driven organisations which will further strengthen IAPA and help guide the industry into the future. Our new advisory committee, with their impressive skill sets, hands-on experience and business practice, will help us deliver on our mandate to provide enhanced education, thought leadership and networking opportunities,” said Sangster.
 
Peter O’Hanlon, chief analytics officer, Revelian (NSW) will return to ISAC after a few years break. IAPA is pleased to have continuity with the following staying on as ISAC leaders: Inna Kolyshkina, principal, Analytikk (SA); Coert Du Plessis, former lead partner-analytics, Deloitte (WA); Evan Stubbs, chief analytics officer, SAS (NSW); and, Shane Butler, analytics engagement manager, Telstra (VIC).

“In the last year, through the alliance with ADMA, IAPA has enhanced its offerings to members making it a stronger, more dynamic organisation. I look forward to working with ISAC members to further enhance IAPA’s position in the analytics community,” added Sangster.

She said the committee’s priorities will be in the areas of accreditation and recognition, as well as lobbying efforts to persuade C-Suite executives to better understand and grow analytics capability across their businesses. She added that the committee would also build on industry skills development and talent retention in Australia while working with and supporting partnerships with industry.

Sangster also thanked Rob Beck, CEO, CR-X (VIC), Warwick Graco, Convenor Whole of Government, Data Analytics Centre of Excellence, ATO (ACT); Qui Van Phan, Portfolio Risk Analyst, Teachers Mutual Bank (NSW); and Richard Green, CEO Catapult BI (QLD), for their significant contributions to IAPA, and is pleased they will remain as advisors on the committee. Mr Beck and Mr Green will remain as heads of the IAPA chapters in Victoria and Queensland respectively.