After seven years, effective July, Iain has decided to stand down as Chair. Linda Smith, who has chaired UKOM’s Commercial Board since June 2023, will serve in a dual role as Commercial Board lead and overall Chair of the Executive Board.
Working closely with Chief Executive Ian Dowds, Iain oversaw major developments at UKOM including the appointment of Ipsos and the launch of the Ipsos iris solution.
During his tenure, UKOM has encouraged the global online players to engage with the UK market, with Ipsos iris now supplying platform-specific and cross-channel metrics. UKOM’s four trade body stakeholders (IAB, AOP, ISBA and IPA in an advisory capacity) and a wider group encompassing the BBC, Ofcom, Newsworks, Magnetic, PAMCo and others are now working together towards ever more ambitious measurement goals.
Iain said: “Trust is the key to a healthy media and advertising industry. We need strong self-governance to provide meaningful audience measures to earn this trust and avoid the perils of misreporting and overclaim. UKOM does this day in day out, and I have loved every moment of guiding this talented team. I feel that I have completed my mission with UKOM and I know that Ian and Linda have a clear view on UKOM’s future.”
Linda said: “We will miss Iain’s thought-provoking and constructive hand on the tiller - he has brought insight, wisdom and fun to our debate and discussion. Measurement starts with a commitment to transparency, truth and appropriate governance and Ian Dowds and I will continue to fly that flag.”
Ian Dowds said: “UKOM has benefited enormously from Iain’s experience, wisdom and dedication and he leaves us in a very strong position. I am excited to work with Linda as we continue to provide strong governance, by the industry for the industry.”
Iain will continue to run his portfolio of leadership roles which covers businesses in media, advertising, adtech, cinema and publishing.
