#USA #New York #American Association #Justin Thomas-Copeland #Marla Kaplowitz

The 4As Welcomes New Leadership

The American Association of Advertising Agencies, commonly known as the 4As, has made a significant announcement regarding its future leadership. On May 7, 2025, the organization revealed the appointment of Justin Thomas-Copeland as its new Chief Executive Officer. This strategic leadership shift comes as Marla Kaplowitz, the outgoing CEO who has successfully guided the 4As for eight years, prepares to transition into the next chapter of her career.

Justin Thomas-Copeland brings with him a wealth of experience in agency operations and leadership. His background includes a deep commitment to fostering innovation, driving digital transformation, and advocating for agencies within the broader landscape of advertising and marketing. As the new CEO, Thomas-Copeland's primary goal is to ensure that the agency community thrives amid ever-evolving industry dynamics, emphasizing advocacy, collaboration, and thought leadership.

A Visionary Leader

Abbey Klaassen, Chair of the 4As Board of Directors and CEO of Dentsu Creative, expressed confidence in Thomas-Copeland's ability to lead the organization into the future. She stated, “Justin is a leader with the vision, expertise, and passion needed to propel the 4As and its members into the future.” His extensive background allows him to navigate the intricate challenges that agencies face, making him well-equipped to champion their interests and advocate for their critical role in today’s business culture.

Before joining the 4As, Thomas-Copeland founded and led KINDRD Global, a consultancy focused on helping brands thrive through cultural relevance. He previously held the position of CEO at DDB North America and was the Global CEO of OPMG Health, a division of Omnicom. His impressive career reflects a commitment to reimagining how agencies deliver value to clients by forming inclusive teams and leveraging the convergence of data, technology, and creativity.

Commitment to Agency Innovation

Upon his appointment, Thomas-Copeland stated, “I am honored to join the 4As and lead this incredible organization at such a pivotal moment for the industry.” He emphasized the necessity of keeping agency value at the forefront of creativity, business impact, modern marketing, and cultural influence. His vision includes collaborating closely with members, partners, and the larger marketing ecosystem to influence the future direction of the industry positively.

The selection of Thomas-Copeland was made possible with the assistance of the global executive search firm Grace Blue, known for its expertise in identifying leaders who can drive meaningful change in their respective industries. Jay Haines, the founder of Grace Blue, remarked on the importance of finding a leader for such a pivotal role while acknowledging the collaborative effort from the 4As to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

The Role of the 4As

As the foremost trade association representing the advertising and marketing sector, the 4As plays a crucial role in supporting its member agencies. With over 600 member agencies operating across 1,200 offices, the organization directs more than 85% of U.S. advertising expenditures. The 4As focuses on empowering agencies through advocacy, thought leadership, talent development programs, and strategic partnerships, ensuring they can adapt and innovate effectively in an increasingly competitive environment.

Looking forward, Thomas-Copeland’s leadership is set to enhance the 4As’ mission further. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the organization, and stakeholders can anticipate a strong focus on driving growth and evolution within the advertising landscape.

In conclusion, the transition to new leadership at the 4As illustrates a robust commitment to adapting to new challenges and opportunities in the advertising world. As the organization embraces this change, it holds the potential to inspire and lead the industry towards a future filled with innovation and creativity. The 4As remains dedicated to ensuring that its members succeed in every facet of their business, fostering an environment where creativity and business impact go hand in hand.

For more information about the 4As and its initiatives, visit their official website at 4As Website.