IAB UK appoints first Head of Ad Tech

The industry body for digital advertising has appointed its first Head of Ad Tech in a move that strengthens its ability to support the ad tech sector, understand key developments and address current challenges.  

Starting immediately, Tina Lakhani, IAB UK’s current Ad Tech Manager, takes on the newly created role. It will see her formulate and communicate the IAB’s position on key ad tech issues, be an expert resource for its members and become a voice for the sector at an industry-wide level.

Current priorities include the development of the IAB’s Gold Standard and coordinating a cross-industry solution to the end of third-party cookies. Lakhani will also continue to work with the digital advertising industry to deliver on its response to the ICO’s ‘Update report into adtech and real bidding’

Commenting on the appointment, IAB UK’s Chief Digital Office Tim Elkington said: “With the end of third-party cookies in sight and our ongoing work to address the ICO’s report well underway, it’s crucial that the right expertise is brought to the table. With her in-depth knowledge of the industry, Tina is perfectly placed to deliver this and ensure that our ad tech members are getting the support they need. Her prior experience of managing the Gold Standard will also be instrumental as we evolve the initiative and continue to champion industry best practice.” 

Having joined the IAB in 2018, Lakhani brings a wealth of knowledge to the new position including first-hand ad tech experience at companies including Exponential and Affectv. She will report into Elkington. 

Lakhani said: “For the past two years I’ve been working closely with IAB UK’s ad tech members and have built a detailed understanding of this complex sector. In short, ad tech underpins digital advertising and the work we do in this area is crucial to achieving a sustainable future for the open internet - particularly via the Gold Standard. I can’t wait to take this work to the next level.”