ADMA appoints IAB director as new head of regulatory and advocacy

BY Nathan Jolly

January 14, 2025 9:04

The Association for Data-Driven Marketing and Advertising (ADMA) has appointed Sarah Waladan as its new head of regulatory and advocacy.

Waladan comes across from the Interactive Advertising Bureau, where she served as director of policy and regulatory affairs, supporting member organisations and the global IAB network on legal and policy matters. Previously, she held a similar role at Free TV Australia.

She brings nearly two decades of experience in communications law and public policy to the role, her expertise covering areas including privacy, copyright, online safety and content regulation.

In her new role, Waladan will be leading ADMA’s advocacy and regulatory initiatives during a critical period of change for the industry.

ADMA CEO, Andrea Martens, said: “We’re delighted to welcome someone of Sarah’s experience and industry expertise as we double-down on our commitment to supporting marketers through the challenges of privacy reform and the rapid evolution of data regulation.

“With Sarah’s leadership we’re strengthening our advocacy efforts to not only address immediate regulatory changes but also help marketers build trust and drive responsible innovation.

“Sarah’s appointment reflects ADMA’s focus on ensuring the industry moves towards more responsible marketing practices, and I look forward to this new era of regulatory leadership.”

Waladan added: “I’m very excited to be joining such a high calibre team of industry leaders during a time of significant regulatory upheaval and technological change.

“With growing regulatory demands and heightened consumer expectations reshaping the industry’s practices, including in areas such as Privacy and AI, this role provides an opportunity to steer the industry through these challenges, and to deliver value for both businesses and their audiences.

“I look forward to working closely with ADMA’s members, the team and Government to ensure the industry continues to build trust with consumers through responsible data practices, and seamless delivery of the valuable content and services that these practices enable.”

Waladan will lead ADMA’s regulatory team, which includes Dr. Rob Nicholls, regulatory and policy manager, and Peter Leonard, chair of ADMA’s Australian Regulatory and Advocacy Working Group (ARAWG).