Brussels, September 22nd, 2026
IAB Europe, the leading European-level trade association for the digital marketing and advertising ecosystem, today announced that Sonia Carreno, currently President of IAB Canada, has been appointed as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer elect, succeeding Townsend Feehan with transition taking place the next quarter. .
Sonia Carreno has over 20 years of experience shaping the evolution of digital advertising across agency, media, and industry leadership roles. As President of IAB Canada since 2015, she has led the association's strategy and operations, representing more than 250 members across platforms, publishers, agencies, and technology providers. Under her leadership, IAB Canada strengthened its position within the global network of digital marketing and advertising associations and broadened its offering into sustainable thought-leadership and valuable industry outputs. Sonia built and scaled its standardization and policy function, deepening engagement with national stakeholders on critical issues affecting advertising regulation. IAB Europe’s national member associations have worked closely with IAB Canada over the past several years, including on the successful adaptation and roll out of the Transparency and Consent Framework (TCF) in Canada.
After twelve years of successful collaboration with IAB Europe’s Board of Directors and wider membership, Townsend Feehan will step down as CEO. Townsend’s tenure has coincided with a period of significant growth for the Association and an expansion of its substantive offering to the market, including the introduction of the IAB Europe Transparency & Consent Framework (TCF) and innovations such as the designation of a Chief Economist. Under her leadership, IAB Europe also broadened its remit to meet the industry’s evolving priorities, building out guidance and standards on retail and commerce media, helping members to navigate the shift to Connected TV and establishing initiatives to address the AI transformation of our industry. As the digital advertising industry became increasingly regulated, IAB Europe earned a reputation for best-in-class technical, legal, and commercial expertise. She leaves a financially healthy organisation with a diverse and talented team poised to support the industry as it navigates a period of rapid business and technological change. Townsend and the Board wish to express their sincere mutual appreciation for the accomplishments achieved together over these years.
“I would personally like to thank Townsend Feehan for her work and dedication to the association over the past twelve years and for the accomplishments she has brought to IAB Europe” said Reyes Justribó, Chairwoman of the Board of IAB Europe.
“We are delighted at the prospect of welcoming Sonia to the European IAB family. Sonia brings a rare combination of international leadership experience, deep industry expertise, and a proven ability to unite diverse stakeholders across the digital advertising ecosystem. At a time of rapid technological and market transformation, the Board believes she is well placed to lead IAB Europe into its next chapter, strengthening the connections across our network and positioning the Association for continued growth and impact.”
“I am honoured to be elected by IAB Europe as next CEO at such a pivotal moment for our industry,” said Sonia Carreno.
“I have great respect for what Townsend and the team have built, and I look forward to building on that foundation as we shape IAB Europe’s next chapter together. This is a moment of extraordinary change and opportunity for digital advertising. I am excited to continue working with the national IABs and Federations, corporate members, the Board and the team in a new capacity to strengthen the connections across our network, champion responsible innovation and ensure IAB Europe continues to be a powerful and trusted voice for our industry. There is tremendous strength in this community, and I look forward to harnessing that collective expertise and ambition as we shape what comes next.”
About IAB Europe
IAB Europe is the European-level association for the digital marketing and advertising ecosystem. Through its membership of national IABs and media, technology and marketing companies, its mission is to lead political representation and promote industry collaboration to deliver frameworks, standards and industry programmes that enable business to thrive in the European market.
Media Contact
Marie-Clare Puffett, Senior Director Industry Development & Marketing - puffett@iabeurope.eu
Lauren Wakefield, Marketing & Communications Director - wakefiled@iabeurope.eu
