Rita Ferro of Disney Takes the Helm as Chair of the Ad Council

Rita Ferro Appointed as Chair of the Ad Council



In a significant leadership change, the Ad Council has announced the appointment of Rita Ferro, currently the President of Global Advertising for The Walt Disney Company, as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. This transition marks the end of Tara Walpert Levy's term, who served as Chair while also holding the role of Vice President for YouTube in the Americas.

A Legacy of Advocacy


For over 80 years, the Ad Council has played a pivotal role in addressing crucial social issues that affect the American public. Through collaboration with various sectors including marketing, media, technology, and business, the Board of Directors at the Ad Council utilizes their diverse expertise, leadership skills, and financial capabilities to ensure the organization's ongoing influence and growth. With Ferro at the helm, the council aims to further its mark on pressing matters such as gun violence prevention, mental health support, and anti-hate campaigns.

Ferro's Vision for Change


As the newly appointed chairperson, Ferro is set to work closely with both the Ad Council's leadership and its Executive Committee, which is the governing body of the Board of Directors. Together, they will strive to promote the organization's mission of harnessing communication power to confront some of the nation's most urgent social challenges. Notable figures such as Kirk McDonald, CEO of Sundial Media Group, and Carla Hassan, CMO of JPMorgan Chase, will serve as Vice Chairs alongside Ferro.

In addition to her duties as Chair, Ferro will co-chair the Ad Council's upcoming 2025 Annual Public Service Award Dinner—the organization’s most prominent annual fundraiser—scheduled for December 4, 2025. This event will honor NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, emphasizing the council's dedication to fostering impactful connections across various sectors.

Ferro's Impressive Background


Rita Ferro’s illustrious career spans 26 years at Disney, where she has been instrumental in transforming the company’s advertising strategy and expanding its global footprint. As the leader of Disney’s global advertising sales across multiple platforms—including ABC, Disney Channels, Disney+, ESPN, and Hulu—Ferro has established herself as a thought leader and visionary within the industry, earning respect and admiration among peers and brands alike.

Ad Council President and CEO Lisa Sherman expressed her enthusiasm for Ferro's new role, stating, "Rita has been a dedicated member of the Ad Council Board of Directors since 2019 and an Executive Committee member since 2020. I am honored to partner with her as she steps into this new role. I deeply admire her passion and know our organization will benefit from her focus toward driving significant impact on the nation's most pressing issues."

The Ad Council’s Purpose


The Ad Council has long been a leader in social impact initiatives, creating campaigns that resonate deeply with the American public. Throughout its 80-year history, the organization has been behind some of the most iconic public service campaigns, including Smokey Bear, the anti-drunk driving message, and the Tear the Paper Ceiling initiative, which highlights various societal challenges.

To further its outreach and engagement, the Ad Council encourages individuals to get involved by visiting their official website, joining their social media communities on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and exploring campaign content available on YouTube. As Rita Ferro steps into this critical role, her leadership is anticipated to not only enhance the council’s initiatives but also inspire meaningful change within the communities it serves.

In summary, as Rita Ferro takes on her new position as Chair of the Ad Council, she carries with her a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to advocacy. The organization looks forward to building upon its rich legacy of social impact under her guidance, making strides towards a better future for all Americans.

Topics People & Culture)

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