AA Names Allwyn’s CEO Vidler As President
Andria Vidler of Allwyn UK has been confirmed as the new Advertising Association (AA) president.
Allwyn UK boss Andria Vidler is the new Advertising Association leader. © MoFarrelly, Pixabay
Key Facts:
- AA is a trade association representing advertisers, agencies, media and research services
- Vidler is set to take over from former head Alessandra Bellini
- Allwyn UK recently became the operator of the National Lottery
- Vidler will work with AA chair Dame Annette King and the body’s chief executive, Stephen Woodford.
Vidler, who joined Allwyn UK in 2023 ahead of the company winning the right to become the new operator of the National Lottery, takes over the role from Alessandra Bellini, who will remain with the AA as chair of the Ad Net Zero UK Group.
New AA president Vidler will work closely with the organisation’s chief executive, Stephen Woodford, along with the chair, Dame Annette King.
Vidler said in a statement announcing her arrival: “I’m excited to be joining the Advertising Association as President at this critical time. I look forward to working with Stephen, Annette and the team at the AA, and building on the impressive work on behalf of members, to help them deliver responsible advertising that is trusted, inclusive and sustainable.”
Strategic Guidance
It has been a busy time for Allwyn, which recently announced it is trialling new scratchcard technology in the UK, with an Asda store the first to get the digital display units.
And while Vidler will remain at the head of the company’s UK operations, she will now also be running the AA as president. AA CEO Woodford thanked Bellini for her contribution during three years in charge, and he welcomed Vidler’s appointment in a statement.
Woodford said: “[Bellini] has led the way, particularly in championing the importance of our industry implementing a clear and progressive talent recruitment and retention strategy to make sure we have the very best people working in our businesses. I am very happy that she accepted our invite to continue driving our work forward as the new UK chair of Ad Net Zero.
“I am delighted to welcome Andria, an impressive and respected leader in advertising and marketing, as our new president. Her strategic guidance and her experience across agencies, media owners and clients will be a huge asset to us and our members.”
30 Years Of Experience
Vidler is a vastly experienced figure who was the chief executive of Tag EMEA prior to her switch to Allwyn UK in 2023.
She has since led a transformational period for the company, which has been expanding across Europe and revamping the National Lottery.
Vidler was chief executive of Centaur Media PLC for four years and spent six years in the same role for EMI Music UK & Ireland, having also had senior roles at Bauer Media and the BBC.
Her industry recognition includes being named Change Maker of the Year in 2021 and Agency Leader of the Year in 2023 by the Drum Awards.
Previous AA president Bellini said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my three-year tenure as President of the Advertising Association, working with Stephen and the team.
“I know Andria will do a fantastic job in guiding the association to deliver their important work on the critical issues facing our industry, as we aim to help the UK deliver economic growth and make the very best social contribution that we can.”
