Alison Levin Takes the Helm as IAB Chair for 2026, Leading Digital Advertising into a New Era

IAB Announces New Leadership for 2026

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), the foremost trade association in digital advertising, has officially announced a new leadership team for the year 2026. Alison Levin, who currently serves as the President of Advertising and Partnerships at NBCUniversal, has been appointed as the Chair of the IAB Board of Directors. Her extensive background in streaming, television, and digital advertising positions her as an ideal leader during a transformative time for the industry.

A Vision for the Future

Alison brings invaluable expertise to the role, having been a vital part of the IAB Board since 2022, where she last served as Vice Chair. Her tenure at both NBCUniversal and Roku has equipped her with a rich understanding of the industry's evolution. She is set to inherit the responsibilities that come with shaping the direction of IAB as it pivots to meet the future demands of an increasingly digitized world.

Accompanying Levin is Alan Moss, Vice President of Global Advertising Sales at Amazon Ads, who has been designated as the Vice Chair for 2026. Moss, renowned for his leadership roles at major companies like Amazon and Google, adds depth to the IAB’s leadership with his extensive knowledge of the changing dynamics in the digital economy. His insights, coupled with Levin’s vision, present a robust front against the challenges facing the digital advertising landscape.

Embracing Change and Innovation

CEO of IAB, David Cohen, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the new appointments. He pointed out that the digital industry is on the brink of significant change, largely driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Cohen emphasized the role IAB must play in rethinking various aspects of digital advertising including media strategy, measurement, commerce, creativity, and consumer trust. As the IAB celebrates its 30th anniversary, Cohen is optimistic about the leadership of Levin and Moss steering the board through complex transformations.

In Levin's words, “It has been a prideful experience to serve on the IAB Board amidst such rapid growth and innovation in our industry. With the lessons learned from my predecessor and the vibrant voices across our ecosystem, I am eager to guide our efforts to collaborate and embrace change while focusing on delivering real value to both consumers and marketers.”

Moss echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical role IAB plays in establishing standards that maximize the industry’s collective potential. He looks forward to collaborating closely with Levin and the rest of the board members in pursuit of enhanced measurement solutions and effective AI applications, aiming to create better outcomes for all stakeholders involved.

Celebrating 30 Years of Digital Advertising

The announcement comes as IAB commemorates three decades in the business of digital advertising. Since its inception, IAB has been a driving force uniting various stakeholders within the digital media space, setting essential standards and fostering collaboration. The organization has progressed from defining the specifications of banner ads to establishing current frameworks that revolve around commerce media and responsible AI utilization.

To commemorate this milestone, IAB will host a special retrospective panel titled “IAB at 30: From Foundations to the Future.” Moderated by CEO David Cohen, this event aims to engage former board chairs and industry pioneers to discuss the defining moments in digital advertising and the lessons learned along the way.

New Board Members

For 2026, the IAB has also elected new members to the Board of Directors for a three-year term, including prominent figures such as Brian Monahan from Albertsons Media Collective and Heidi Zak, CEO of Thirdlove. These new appointments, alongside returning members with valuable insights and experiences, will enrich the board's perspective on key industry issues.

The newly constituted board, which includes established names from various sectors within the advertising and media industries, is set to tackle the pressing matters at hand, ensuring that IAB remains at the forefront of innovation in digital advertising for years to come.

In conclusion, as the IAB embarks on its next chapter with Alison Levin at the helm, the anticipation surrounding the potential advancements in digital advertising is palpable. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, the organization aims to address industry challenges head-on while enhancing the landscape for brands and consumers alike.