Sinead Coogan Jobes joins IAB UK to lead policy & public affairs

Sinead brings a wealth of experience with her to the role from Sky, Virgin Media, Deliveroo and Hanover Communications. Most recently, she was Policy & External Affairs Director at News UK. 

She is responsible for leading the IAB’s policy and public affairs work in what is an important year for the advertising industry as it prepares for the introduction of the ‘Less Healthy Food & Drink’ (LHF) ad ban on 1 October. 

Her priorities are to deepen the IAB’s engagement with government and MPs; consistently represent the views and value of the digital advertising industry to parliamentarians; and ensure that IAB members have a cohesive, strong and proactive voice when it comes to how digital advertising is regulated. 

“IAB UK sits at the heart of the digital ad industry and brings together a hugely diverse range of different players - from ad tech to publishers to agencies. That’s a big part of why I wanted to work here,” explains Coogan Jobes. “From a policy point of view, we are uniquely placed to coordinate action at a scale that can make a real difference and - with the world becoming ever-more digital - both government and MPs need our members’ input and expertise as much as we need their engagement. My priority is to ensure that our industry is not only heard but really listened to by the policymakers who are shaping the future of the ad-funded ecosystem we all rely on.” 

Jon Mew, CEO of IAB UK, adds: “I’m delighted that Sinead has joined the IAB team, bringing with her valuable experience to help our members navigate a complex policy landscape. Her immediate priority is to get urgent clarity on the impending LHF ad ban so that businesses can properly prepare for it. While the Government’s statement last week went some way to reassuring the industry, we’re clear that the wording of the law needs to change to properly  reflect the Government’s stated intention on brand advertising  and provide advertisers with the certainty they need. This is just one area where Sinead will be working to ensure that IAB UK and our members are actively shaping balanced regulatory outcomes.”  

Coogan Jobes has already started in her role at the IAB. She replaces Christie Dennehy-Neil, who led the Policy & Regulatory Affairs Team for the past seven years, and reports into the COO, Jane McNeill.