Ghanaian Joel Nettey becomes first African to head International Advertising Association

At the World Board Meeting of the International Advertising Association (IAA) held virtually on October 5th , Srinivasan Swamy handed over the baton of the Chairman and World President to Joel E. Nettey, CEO, Innova DDB, Ghana.

Joel will be the first African to lead the IAA, the global compass for marketing and communications.

During the elections, Sasan Saeidi of Global Client Leader for Nestle at Wunderman Thompson Dubai became Senior Vice President, Carol Schuster of Business Information Advisor at Lafayette 148 New York (New York) became Secretary and Venanzio Camarra of Business and Communications Consultant, Milan became Treasurer.

A thoroughbred marketing communications professional, Joel Nettey has over twenty years of experience leading, creating and shaping campaigns for some of the most iconic brands.

Joel has been Chief Executive of various multinational marketing communications agency affiliates in Ghana including DDB, Saatchi & Saatchi and Publicis.

He also served as the President for the IAA’s chapter in Ghana, The Advertising Association of Ghana.

His passion for building relationships and his penchant for achieving extraordinary marketing and communications goals have resulted in the agencies he has led over the years being partners for a myriad of blue-chip companies both multinational and indigenous.

Speaking after the election, Nettey outlined his plans for the two years ahead.

“We will focus on four key pillars: Creativity & Innovation, Regulatory Issues, Diversity and Inclusion, and Education. Together as a team we will take the steps required to ensure that the IAA remains the most recognizable, relevant and impactful marketing and marketing communications association across the globe, while ensuring that we attract and provide opportunities that engage and nourish the next generation of marketing game changers.”.

The Immediate Past President and the Chairman of Presidents’ Council said, “I have worked with Joel over the last two years when he was Senior Vice President at IAA. His understanding of the issues at IAA is amazing, as is his commitment level to deliver on what is required. I am sure IAA will flourish over the next two years under his stewardship and I am happy to actively support his initiatives that will build IAA further”.