When Marla Kaplowitz first took the helm of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As) in 2017, she had a clear expectation: three to five years of leadership, then a graceful exit. Instead, her journey with the organization stretched into eight years defined by resilience, bold decisions, and a reimagining of the agency trade association.

“When you come into an organization, you quickly realize that to make real, lasting change, it takes time,” Kaplowitz told ADWEEK. “And that’s something I’ve learned over and over.”

Kaplowitz will undoubtedly be remembered for the trust she rebuilt—particularly with the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), a relationship that had frayed before her arrival due to ongoing transparency issues between agencies and clients. From the beginning, she understood that mending this rift would be critical for the industry’s future.

One of her most impactful initiatives was co-launching AdID, the industry’s first digital creative asset tracker, a collaborative effort she spearheaded alongside the ANA. The partnership was more than a technical innovation; it was a symbol of how two major industry players could unite on a common goal, working together to address deep-seated inefficiencies in the digital advertising ecosystem.

The AdID collaboration was just the beginning. Under Kaplowitz’s leadership, the ANA and 4As worked hand-in-hand to address the inefficiencies of the RFP process and create a more transparent framework for agency-client relationships, including working to curb the escalating costs of pitching.

“We saw the cost of pitching skyrocket. And for the first time, we were able to publicly share not just the agency costs, but the costs to marketers as well,” she said. “That was a turning point.”

When the world shifted

Kaplowitz was at the helm of the 4As when the COVID-19 pandemic hit—a crisis that would reshape the industry and test every aspect of leadership.

The disruption, though unwelcome, became an unexpected catalyst for change. Many of the shifts Kaplowitz had set in motion—like modernizing the industry’s approach to agency compensation—accelerated in the face of this unforeseen challenge.

“The pandemic hit like whiplash,” she recalled. “But, ironically, it became a catalyst for us. Clients needed their agencies more than ever, and agencies needed their trade associations more than ever.”

In the face of crisis, Kaplowitz had to make difficult decisions, including furloughing staff and freezing raises and bonuses. “It was one of the hardest parts of my job,” she said. “But we also knew we had to make some tough, short-term sacrifices to ensure the long-term survival of the organization.”

Under her leadership, the 4As rebounded swiftly, with a stronger team and a clearer sense of purpose. Kaplowitz said the organization’s net promoter score among its members, which had been stuck in the negatives, now sits at a 46.

“When I first arrived, we were facing a lot of skepticism. But today, we have a stronger, more engaged membership. That’s something I’ll always be proud of,” she said.

Rethinking agency compensation

One of Kaplowitz’s most enduring legacies is her work to modernize the industry’s approach to compensation.

“We need a reset on agency compensation,” she stated unequivocally. “The models we’ve relied on—full-time employee (FTE) or cost-plus—are outdated. We need outcome-based compensation that reflects the value we’re delivering in an era of data and technology.”

As the industry evolves, particularly with the growing integration of artificial intelligence, Kaplowitz believes this reset is more crucial than ever. “It’s time to rethink how we value the work agencies are doing,” she said.

Building an inclusive industry

Kaplowitz has kept the 4As committed to broadening access to the advertising industry through DEI and talent programs like MAIP and Vanguard. Under her leadership, eligibility was expanded to include neurodiverse individuals and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

“It’s about making space for people who’ve traditionally been left out,” she explained. “Inclusivity isn’t just about race or ethnicity; it’s about embracing diversity in all its forms.”

Passing the torch

Now, Kaplowitz is passing the baton to newly minted 4As CEO Justin Thomas-Copeland, who Kaplowitz described as “bold, visionary, and truly understands the needs of agencies.”

“I’ve known Justin for years, and I’m excited to see where he takes the 4As next,” she said.

As she transitions out of her role, Kaplowitz plans to stay engaged with the industry through board work and advisory roles. “What excites me is continuing to work with senior leaders, helping them grow and evolve, and feeding my curious brain,” she said.

Reflecting on her career and the legacy she leaves behind, Kaplowitz is clear: “This is a chapter that I will always be proud of. But I’m excited for what’s next—for me and for the 4A’s. There’s still so much work to do, and I’m confident that Justin and the team will carry the torch forward.”

Stagwell reported its Q1 2025 earnings on Thursday (May 8), revealing a 6% increase in net revenue to $564 million, driven by investments in digital transformation and proprietary tools.

Despite a slight 3% year-over-year decline in total revenue to $652 million, chief executive (CEO) Mark Penn said the agency views net revenue as its key performance indicator (KPI).

Amid challenges presented by tariffs, declining consumer spend, and industry-wide consolidation, Penn was optimistic about Stagwell’s trajectory. “This is a good moment for Stagwell,” he told ADWEEK. “We’ve come a long way and are now at a well-scaled point, where we’re clearly winning bigger assignments from larger companies.”

Recent creative and media wins include Starbucks (Anomaly), Visa (Anomaly), Panera (72andSunny), and Hyatt (Assembly).

“The thing that excites me is our strategy of growth, scale, and innovation,” Penn said. “I’m really seeing that vision come into sight now as we take on bigger assignments and do fascinating things, like reintroducing Starbucks as a brand.”

Addressing the revenue decline, Penn attributed it to a drop in pass-through expenses during the political cycle rather than a downturn in business. “Net revenue, which reflects our fees, grew significantly, driven primarily by digital transformation, research, and creativity,” he explained.

Stagwell reported a net loss of $3 million for the quarter, translating to an EPS of $(0.04), missing the analyst consensus estimate of $0.03 per share. However, adjusted EPS was $0.12, surpassing expectations, with adjusted EBITDA of $81 million and a 14% EBITDA margin.

The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 guidance, projecting total net revenue growth of approximately 8% and adjusted EBITDA between $410 million and $460 million.

Following the earnings release, Stagwell’s stock price rose over 6%.

Penn said AI and digital transformation would play a pivotal role in Stagwell’s future. In April, the company appointed John Kahan, a veteran of Microsoft and IBM, as its inaugural chief AI officer.

Stagwell has been integrating AI more deeply into its offerings over the past year. This includes building out its PRophet Comms Tech Suite, which uses AI to help predict media interest and craft more effective pitches. Its machine learning suite also features tools that track earned media coverage for clients and an influencer matchmaking tool.

Stagwell’s Q1 performance contrasts with some competitors. Omnicom reported 1.6% year-over-year revenue growth in Q1 2025, while Interpublic Group (IPG) saw a 5.9% decline.

Addressing investors during Stagwell’s earnings call, Penn expressed skepticism about industry consolidation: “While others in the industry are flailing about with endless reorganizations, behemoth mergers, and downsizing, Stagwell is on a steady course of growth, scale, and innovation.”

The 4As’ outgoing chief executive (CEO), Marla Kaplowitz, said it broadened the eligibility and curriculum for two diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) talent programs based on industry feedback.

Since 1973, the 4A’s Multicultural Advertising Internship Program (MAIP) has provided internships for people of color, while Vanguard, launched in 2021, was an initiative to help non-white advertising professionals develop their leadership skills.

However, since fall 2024, the trade body has widened the application process. It officially announced the change in May 2025.

In the face of directives from President Trump regarding DEI initiatives, businesses, from Amazon to Verizon, have been rolling back on DEI commitments and talent programs.

However, Kaplowitz told ADWEEK the 4A’s decision stemmed from ongoing feedback from agency partners and different companies in the media marketing sphere. She also confirmed it was made before the Trump administration took office.

“We were constantly hearing feedback from agencies saying: ‘This is such a rich program. I wish we could expand it and offer it more broadly within our company,” she said.

The move comes as the CEO prepares to step down at the end of the month, with Justin Thomas-Copeland set to take the reins as her successor.

Expanding Eligibility

The expanded eligibility for the programs now includes underrepresented groups such as those with neurodiversity, disabilities, and socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Kaplowitz said that the shift was about embracing a broader definition of inclusivity, giving more people from different backgrounds an opportunity to enter the industry.

“With MAIP, we recognized that there was an opportunity to expand the aperture on what it meant to be inclusive… and to look at everything, from sexual orientation to ability to neurodiversity,” she said.

Some critics are concerned these changes might dilute the focus on race and ethnicity at a time when 90% of agency leaders identify as white, and the industry as a whole is lagging on representation. However, Kaplowitz remained firm that the core mission of both programs has not shifted.

“It’s challenging because MAIP has been around for over 50 years, and what was important to us is, how do we evolve the program and preserve it?” Kaplowitz said.

She added: “We needed to evolve the program to continue delivering on it and meeting the evolving needs of the partners. We are still focused on our core mission, which is, how do we create possibilities for people who are not necessarily given opportunities?”

She said education remains a central focus for the 4A’s, through scholarships, MAIP’s support for high school students in New York City, or Vanguard’s leadership development opportunities.

Practical Changes

Updates to Vanguard, which focuses on mid-career professionals, include an expanded leadership training component to resemble a “mini MBA,” aimed at better equipping participants with the skills they need to grow within their companies.

Practical changes to MAIP, which inducted 75 fellows in 2024, include an enhanced curriculum, incorporating AI training, business etiquette, and an understanding of how agencies make money—skills identified by industry partners as essential for success in today’s workplace.

MAIP will continue its summer “Labs” program and expand its partnerships with organizations like the VCU Brand Center to enrich fellows’ experiences.

Similarly, Vanguard’s leadership track is evolving to partner with a university to provide a “mini MBA” experience.

Kaplowitz expressed optimism that the revamped programs will continue to serve as a vital resource for underrepresented talent in the advertising industry. She said a main goal was to get more agencies and partners “to raise their hand and want to have more MAIP fellows, knowing that they come incredibly prepared.”

She also emphasized the 4A’s commitment to staying connected to the alumni of both MAIP and Vanguard.

“We have over 4,500 alumni from the MAIP program, and we’re still very much committed to those communities and staying connected to them,” she added. “We want to ensure they are part of the evolution as we move forward.”

Major League Soccer team New York Red Bulls has named Katie Nahoum as its new chief marketing officer. She succeeds Elisa Padilla, who left in March.

The marketing veteran will oversee all marketing and communication efforts as the club looks to accelerate its brand and strengthen fan engagement by “reflect[ing] the strength, ambition, and edge of this powerhouse brand,” she told ADWEEK.

“As a proud Jersey Girl, I can’t wait to build deeper connections with our loyal supporters and welcome a new generation of fans,” Nahoum said. “From igniting gameday energy to forging everyday connections in our local community, we’ll build a year-round strategy that inspires both die-hard supporters and casual fans to be part of something bigger.”

Nahoum has more than two decades of experience building and scaling wellness, food, and lifestyle brands. She joins the MLS team from plant-based supplement Kos, where she worked as its marketing vp since 2024. Before that, she worked as CMO of 8Greens after holding several marketing leadership roles at Boll & Branch, Kind Snacks, and Moët Hennessy.

Despite pivoting to sports, the exec told ADWEEK that her career through line “has always been creating community and momentum.”

“Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of building beloved consumer brands by staying relentlessly focused on our consumers—what they care about, where they engage, and how we can add value in their lives,” she said. “At the New York Red Bulls, I’m excited to bring that same playbook—insight-driven storytelling, breakthrough creative, and a deep respect for culture and team—to help grow this incredible club and fan base.”

Nahoum’s hire is the latest addition to the Red Bulls’ leadership team. Red Bulls’ president and general manager Marc de Grandpré expanded the team’s leadership in 2023 by appointing Joe Stetson as chief commercial officer, Christina Giunta-Quarino as chief of staff, and Claire Noonan as head of human resources.

“Together, we will continue to drive progress and elevate our club and infrastructure,” said de Grandpré at the time. “With the current momentum behind our league and the expectations we have for our club moving forward, it’s imperative that we attract, recruit, and develop the best talent out there.”

Nahoum will report to de Grandpré.

Clothing brand Jenni Kayne’s vp of growth marketing, Laura Savage-Finch, has left the company, ADWEEK has learned.

A brand spokesperson confirmed that Savage-Finch’s last day was April 11 and her role will not be backfilled.

She joined the California-based women’s clothing brand in 2023 after leading media strategy and paid social at Wpromote.

The eponymous brand was founded in 2002 by California native Jenni Kayne. It started as a women’s clothing brand known for its cashmere sweaters and relaxed trousers before expanding to Jenni Kayne Home in 2017, selling blankets, candles, linens, and eventually furniture in 2021.

That same year, it also launched a beauty collection called Oak Essentials, which announced a retail partnership with Ulta Beauty in January. The beauty chain currently sells the complete collection of Jenni Kayne’s skincare, body care, bath, and fragrance products across more than 250 Ulta stores nationwide.

Jenni Kayne also renovates properties under Jenni Kayne Farmhouses, where it hosts events for influencers and friends of the brand ahead of product launches.

According to Business of Fashion, the brand reached $140 million in sales last year, a 6% increase from 2023. One of its sweaters also sold out last month after Meghan Markle was seen wearing it on her new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan.

“I knew exactly what I wanted to do, which was create an all-encompassing lifestyle brand inspired by other American designers like Ralph Lauren, where you build a world that touches multiple categories,” Kayne told the fashion trade in January.

Spotify has hired agency vet Jeremy Wirth as its global head of creative.

Wirth is based in Los Angeles and joins from Anomaly, where he served as executive creative director since 2021. While there, he worked on campaigns for brands like Visa, Starbucks, Hoka, Tiffany & Co., and more.

His resume also includes tenures at agencies like TBWA\Media Arts Lab, 72andSunny, and AKQA.

In a LinkedIn post on Thursday, Wirth detailed his passion for music, from buying his first cassette as a kid to crate-digging for records as an adult.

“Music has always been more than just a passion. And Spotify? It’s [a] platform that changed everything,” he wrote. “It gave people instant access to every genre, every era, every hidden gem.”

“To now be a part of this company, leading creative on a global scale, is something that honestly feels surreal,” Wirth concluded. “There is so much potential to tell powerful stories, spotlight diverse voices, and push creative boundaries.”

Spotify did not reply to a request for comment in time for publication.

Wirth’s hire comes on the heels of the streamer’s new global campaign, which plays into fanbase culture for artists, big and small. Created by Spotify’s in-house team, the vibrant ads debuted last week and pay homage to musicians like Chappell Roan, Doechii, Olivia Rodrigo, and Oasis.

“It is quite artistic, and we haven’t gone down this route for a minute,” Marc Hazan, vice president of marketing and partnerships at Spotify, told ADWEEK earlier this month. “[The ads] wouldn’t look out of place in an art exhibition, venue, or the walls of a fan’s bedroom.”

Earlier this month, Spotify announced that it will roll out Spotify Ad Exchange (SAX), its first programmatic ad suite, allowing marketers access to its audience targeting capabilities across its premium ad formats like audio, video, and display.

Havas Chicago has appointed Frank Dattalo as chief creative officer (CCO), the agency exclusively shared with ADWEEK.

He succeeds Myra Nussbaum, who had been CCO and president of Havas Chicago for nearly four years and is leaving the agency to pursue other opportunities, according to a spokesperson.

Dattalo will work alongside president Kat Ott and chief strategy officer Chase Cornett to redefine the agency’s creative approach through culturally-driven, brand-building work.

“Frank’s passion for fostering a culture where diverse, ambitious talent can take big swings aligns perfectly with our vision,” Ott said in a statement. “Together, we’ll create undeniable work that fuels the feeds, drives fame, and impacts real change.”

As CCO, Dattalo plans to implement a “high-low” strategy to the agency’s creative process, blending the strategic rigor of a brand with the cultural intelligence of an influencer or boutique creative shop.

“Strategy wins the war, but tactics win battles,” he told ADWEEK. “It’s driven by this idea of thinking like a brand and acting like an influencer.”

The exec is no stranger to leaning into cultural moments in his past work.

He previously served as executive creative director at Cashmere Agency (since Nov. 22), where he helped ideate the recent Kraft Heinz x Mustard collaboration following the hip-hop producer’s success working with Kendrick Lamar. While there, he also worked on Budweiser’s “The B.I.G. Drop,” a tribute to Notorious B.I.G. for hip-hop’s 50th anniversary in 2023.

A full-circle moment

Dattalo began his career at Energy BBDO in Chicago 2003, where he developed campaigns like Orbit Gum’s “Dirty Mouth” and 5 Gum’s “Stimulate Your Senses.” In 2011, he joined Deutsch LA and has since held creative director roles across brands like Apple and agencies Critical Mass and R/GA, where he led the Nike account.

“My career choices have always been driven by two things: brands that have personally impacted my life and my curiosity for always finding fresh, new ways for people to interact with brands,” he said.

At Havas Chicago, Dattalo is excited to work alongside Ott and Cornett to “position [it] as a globally elite creative force.”

“Coming back to Chicago is a full-circle moment, reuniting with the city that raised both me and my career,” said Dattalo.

Expedia Group has hired Natalie Wills as svp of brand marketing and creative.

The exec joined last month from Booking.com, where she served as vp of brand marketing since July 2022. While there, she was responsible for driving brand strategy, creative, B2B marketing, media, sponsorships, and events.

She also forged media partnerships with the likes of Amazon Prime and Netflix, as well as sports sponsorships with leagues such as MLB and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“I’m honored to be part of such an ambitious company that’s transforming how the world travels,” she wrote in a LinkedIn post today. “Ready to embark on a journey where travel is a force for good! Looking forward to this exciting adventure…Watch this space!”

At Expedia, Wills will oversee a global team responsible for driving brand strategy and creative execution across the company’s portfolio of brands, which includes Hotels.com and Vrbo. She announced her move to Expedia Group as Hotels.com debuted a new mascot, Bellboy, earlier this week in an effort to connect with a new generation of travelers.

Her vision is to “develop marketing that goes beyond transactions.” The exec told ADWEEK that she will prioritize the company’s range of loyalty programs and product offerings.

“In this extraordinary travel sector, great travel marketing isn’t about the loudest message—it’s about the most meaningful one that makes travel more accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful for everyone,” she said.

Wills will report to chief marketing officer Jochen Koedijk.

“We are thrilled to welcome Natalie to Expedia Group,” said Koedijk in a statement. “Her proven track record of creating impactful and award-winning campaigns, coupled with her innovative approach to brand building, will be invaluable as we continue to elevate our brands and connect with travelers worldwide.”

In February, Expedia Group reported $13.7 billion in revenue for 2024, a 7% increase year-over-year. Per Statista, the vacation rental market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate of 4.4% from now through 2029.

April 22 at 2:28pm ET: This story has been updated with a quote from Wills.

The American Marketing Association’s New York chapter (AMA New York) has unveiled the 2025 class of Marketing Hall of Fame inductees.

The seven honorees span sectors including sports, beauty, consulting, academia, and advertising. They will be recognized for their accomplishments across a range of categories during a ceremony on May 21 at Universal McCann’s global headquarters in New York City.

This year’s inductees are:

• Tim Ellis, EVP and CMO of the NFL, for Marketing Catalyst
• Keith Reinhard, chairman emeritus at DDB Worldwide, for Mentorship
• Jill Kramer, CMO and CCO at Accenture, for Technology Innovation
• Kory Marchisotto, CMO of e.l.f. Beauty and president of Keys Soulcare, for Marketing for Purpose
• Esperanza Teasdale, former VP and GM of PepsiCo Beverages North America’s Hispanic Business Unit, for Marketing Excellence in DEI
• Fawn Weaver, CEO of Uncle Nearest, Inc., for Marketing for a Challenger Brand
• Russell Winer, professor emeritus at NYU Stern, named New York Choice

The ceremony will also include ‘CMO Conversations,’ a series of panels featuring leading marketers, kicking off at 1 p.m. ET. In these discussions, inductees will reflect on their professional journeys and share insights on the future of marketing.

This year’s ceremony is sponsored by Procter & Gamble, McDonald’s, Clear Channel Outdoor, Universal McCann, and GreenBook. ADWEEK is the official media partner.

In a statement shared with ADWEEK, Lori Johnson, AMA New York co-president, said: “This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are shining examples of talent, creativity, and drive—and their influence continues to shape our field in powerful ways. We congratulate each of them on this meaningful recognition.”

Founded by AMA New York in 1993, the Marketing Hall of Fame recognizes marketing leaders across all industries, celebrating both their current impact and lasting influence. Past inductees include GE vice chair Beth Comstock; TBWA\Worldwide chairman Lee Clow; and Apple’s Steve Jobs, who accepted the honor on the company’s behalf.

“We are recognizing marketing’s role in driving innovation, advancing purpose-driven work, challenging the status quo, fostering an inclusive workplace and industry, and affirming New York’s status as a marketing epicenter,” added AMA New York co-president Dorothy Crenshaw. “This year’s class truly exemplifies the pinnacle of marketing excellence.”

The Ad Council, a nonprofit organization known for public service campaigns like Smokey Bear and gun safety initiatives, has elected 17 new members to its board of directors.

Tara Walpert Levy, vice president of YouTube Americas, continues to serve as the board’s chair, while Carla Hassan, chief marketing officer at JPMorganChase, has been elevated to the role of vice chair.

The Ad Council’s board comprises 162 senior executives from across the media, marketing, tech, and business sectors. Members provide guidance, expertise, and financial support to help ensure the nonprofit’s campaigns address key national issues, such as mental health, substance use, gun violence, and hate.

This year’s appointees represent a wide range of industries—from retail and tech to sports and entertainment—and bring perspectives shaped by years of brand and platform leadership. Among them is Emily Wilcox, CEO of TBWA\Chiat\Day New York, who said the Ad Council’s mission aligns closely with her own motivation for working in the industry.

“What we do for a living can be so powerful when deployed for the right causes and that’s why I am excited to get started and help the organization continue its mission,” Wilcox told ADWEEK. “It is what made me fall in love with this business and why I show up every day.”

Tim Clark, executive vice president and chief brand officer at NASCAR, also emphasized the opportunity to collaborate with other industry leaders to impact social good.

“The Ad Council Board of Directors… brings together leaders with exceptional expertise, resources, and access to platforms that can make a real, measurable difference in communities across the country,” Clark said.

Jackelyn Keller, chief marketing officer at Comscore, noted that the intersection of purpose and data-driven strategy makes the board’s work especially relevant.

“The Ad Council reinforces that when storytelling meets purpose, it can shape culture—and move people,” she said. “We know data makes that impact measurable and actionable.”

New members of the board include:

• Zena Arnold, CMO, Sephora U.S.
• Molly Battin, SVP and CMO, The Home Depot
• Tyrone Brewer, president, U.S. Neuroscience, Canada & Puerto Rico, Johnson & Johnson
• Tim Clark, EVP, chief brand officer, NASCAR
• Anna Frable, VP, communications, Novo Nordisk U.S.
• Elizabeth Herbst-Brady, CRO, Condé Nast
• Jennifer Kattula, GM and CMO, Microsoft Advertising
• Jackelyn Keller, CMO, Comscore
• Michael Komasinski, CEO, Criteo
• Jarrod Martin, global CEO, Acxiom + KINESSO
• Catherine Newman, chief marketing and communications Officer, U.S. Soccer
• Nicolle Pangis, VP, Advertising, Netflix
• Thomas Ranese, CMO, Intuit
• Jessica Sibley, CEO, TIME
• Donna Speciale, president, U.S. advertising sales and marketing, TelevisaUnivision
• Andrew Swinand, CEO, Inspired Thinking Group
• Emily Wilcox, CEO, TBWA\Chiat\Day New York

The latest appointments follow the addition of 23 new board members in April 2024, as the Ad Council continues expanding its leadership. Late last year, the nonprofit raised a record-breaking $9.2 million at its 70th annual public service award dinner.

In addition to the board appointments, eight new members have joined the Ad Council’s leadership council. The group brings together senior executives across advertising, media, and tech industries who contribute their organizations’ resources and insights to support the Ad Council’s initiatives.

New members include:

• Elizabeth DeLuca, executive director, corporate brand and digital communications, Novo Nordisk U.S.
• Scott Goodson, founder and CEO, StrawberryFrog, MachWon, and Inplural
• Taylor Guglielmo, chief growth officer, Chemistry
• Stephanie Latham, VP, global brand partnerships and advertising, Roblox
• Matthew Lumb, VP, brand building integrated communications, Procter & Gamble
• Maggie Milnamow, CRO, Business Insider
• Christian Muche, global president and founder, Beyond Ordinary LLC / POSSIBLE
• Nicole Silver, CMO, ads and partnerships, Dotdash Meredith