WFA forms Global Media Board

The WFA (World Federation of Advertisers) has announced "major" changes to its structure in order to encourage adoption of the measures set out in its Global Media Charter.

The organisation has appointed Gerry D’Angelo, global media director at P&G, as co-chair of the WFA’s Media Forum, a community of client-side global media directors within WFA’s membership. The other co-chair is Ben Jankowski, SVP of global media at MasterCard.

The WFA has also established a Global Media Board, which will work alongside D'Angelo and Jankowski, "providing another opportunity for clients to share their experiences of implementing the measures outlined in the Media Charter", according to a media release.

“We recognize the need to give the Media Charter more practical application, and that’s what we’re seeking to do with the Board," said Stephan Loerke, CEO of the WFA. "And by addressing these and other issues, which are global in nature and require a global approach, we intend to provide an environment for more effective marketing for all clients, ultimately leading to better outcomes."

The members of the Global Media Board represent more than $45 billion in annual spending on communications.

The Global Media Charter sets out eight principles.

“I’m honoured to be invited to serve as the co-chair of both WFA’s Media Forum and new Board, at this critical time for the industry," D'Angelo said. "Advertisers can no longer relinquish control of media, data and algorithms. Together, we’re transforming the media industry, taking back control to lead mass disruption through active participation in industry bodies such as the WFA, and promoting measures as set out by the Global Media Charter."

Among others, members of the board include:

• Bea Lindvall, Global Head of Media, Danone
• Belinda Smith, Global Head of Media, Electronic Arts
• Ben Jankowski, SVP Global Media, mastercard
• Gerhard Louw, Head of International Media Management, Deutsche Telekom
• Gerry D’Angelo, Global Media Director, P&G
• Luis Di-Como, SVP Global Media, Unilever
• Oliver Maletz, Head of International Communication and Media Planning, Volkswagen
• Rob Rakowitz, Head of Global Media, Mars
• Sarah Armitage, Group International Media Director, LVMH
• Simon Peel, Global Media Director, Adidas
• Sital Banerjee, Global Head of Media, Philips