IAB Strengthens Leadership and Centers of Excellence to Propel Digital Advertising Innovation

IAB Boosts Leadership Team to Drive Digital Innovation

On June 12, 2025, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), a front-runner in the digital advertising sector, announced significant updates aimed at accelerating innovation across its programs. This move highlights IAB's commitment to enhancing services for its members as well as the wider digital media landscape. Central to this initiative is the enhancement of its Centers of Excellence (CoE), designed to target critical advancements in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), commerce media, the creator economy, and measurement strategies.

In line with this goal, IAB has elevated Cintia Gabilan to the position of Senior Vice President, Centers of Excellence Industry Initiatives. Gabilan will oversee the strategic direction of IAB's key centers including the IAB Experience Center, IAB Media Center, MAD (Measurement, Addressability & Data) Center, and the Professional Development and Education Center (PDEC). Her role also encompasses the coordination of IAB's expansive AI initiatives and she will report to Sheryl Goldstein, the Executive Vice President and Chief Industry Growth Officer.

Goldstein emphasized the need for proactive leadership, stating, "The digital advertising industry is evolving faster than ever, and at IAB, we’re not reacting to change; we’re driving it." This declaration underscores IAB's strategic approach of not merely responding to technological advancements but leading the charge across its operational domains.

Bringing in Diverse Expertise

As part of the leadership expansion, IAB has appointed three prominent figures with specialized knowledge across various critical fields:

1. Collin Colburn, Vice President of Commerce, will head the IAB Commerce Board and drive initiatives that support the evolving commerce media ecosystem. With a background in roles at Forrester and Horizon Media's Night Market, Colburn’s focus will be on defining industry standards that promote operational efficiency in the commerce landscape. His efforts include organizing the upcoming Connected Commerce Summit slated for September 9, 2025, in New York City.

2. Jamie Finstein, Vice President of the Media Center, brings over 15 years of experience from WPP Media. Tasked with enhancing growth across connected TV (CTV), video, audio, and digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising, Finstein aims to rectify video measurement challenges and standardize formats for a more cohesive marketplace. Furthermore, she plans to lead the IAB Video Leadership Summit and IAB Podcast Upfront, slated for July and September 2025, respectively.

3. Caroline Giegerich, Vice President of AI, who has an impressive two-decade-long career in marketing, will spearhead IAB's AI roadmap, providing the industry with tools, resources, and standards for the ethical and effective deployment of AI technologies. Giegerich aims to guide IAB members on responsible AI usage in digital advertising environments.

Consolidating Centers of Excellence

In addition to these appointments, Angelina Eng has been promoted to Vice President overseeing the MAD Center, focusing on streamlining operations across all IAB Centers of Excellence to foster collaboration. Zoe Soon will expand her responsibilities as Vice President of the IAB Experience Center to include creating strategic avenues for the Creator Economy Board. Moreover, Matthew Renne will emphasize the professional development of digital marketing experts through tailored training and resources provided by PDEC.

The restructuring is a vital step in ensuring IAB remains at the forefront of digital advertising and continues to supply its members with top-tier resources and insights necessary to navigate the rapidly changing media landscape. As Gabilan aptly put it, this development heralds a new era where IAB delivers leadership and innovation in digital advertising, addressing the growing complexities and demands of the market.

With its enhanced Centers of Excellence and a robust leadership team, IAB is well-positioned to guide the digital advertising industry into the future, fostering innovation and setting standards that resonate across all areas of digital marketing.