Vidler (pictured) will serve a three-year term in the role and will help guide the strategic direction of the association’s work on behalf of the UK advertising industry.

The appointment of Vidler will come at the end of current AA president Alessandra Bellini’s three-year term. Bellini will continue her work in the AA as chair of the Ad Net Zero UK Group.

Vidler will work with AA chair, Dame Annette King, and chief executive, Stephen Woodford, to lead a council of industry leaders from media owners, agencies, brands, and trade bodies, on the issues that affect them.

In addition, the president will support the direction of the AA’s work around major policy areas including the government’s industrial strategy, responsible use of AI in advertising, plus the promotion of UK advertising overseas.

Prior to Allwyn, Vidler was chief executive at Tag EMEA, and spent six years as chief executive at Centaur Media PLC and four years leading EMI Music UK & Ireland, following senior roles at Bauer Media and the BBC.

Vidler has also served as a non-executive director at 888 Holdings PLC, Gamesys Group PLC and, most recently, luxury shoe brand Sophia Webster. 

Stephen Woodford said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Alessandra for her enormous contribution and commitment during her time as president. She 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 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.”

Vidler said: “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.”

Bellini added: “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.”