Sharon Napier, executive chair and founder of Partners + Napier, a Project Worldwide agency, has been named board chair of the 4A’s (American Association of Advertising Agencies). Napier begins a two-year term, succeeding Barry Wacksman, chair and co-founder of Proto, who remains on the 4A’s board as past chair. Napier has been a 4A’s director since 2005 and for the past four years has served as co-vice chair of the board and was previously secretary-treasurer.
Napier said, “I’ve always believed in the power of creativity to change the world, and the last two years have shown just how powerful agencies can be. Together, we’ve turned every curveball into an opportunity to help our clients succeed. In this new role, I look forward to furthering the 4A’s mission, as we enhance our value for members and drive the industry forward. My many years with the 4A’s as a Board and agency member has taught me that when we work together as an industry — we are unstoppable.”
Vita Harris, global chief strategy officer, FCB Global, has been named 4A’s co-vice chair after joining the board in early 2021.
Abbey Klaassen, president, business leadership, East region at dentsu has been re-elected for another one year term as co-vice chair after serving for the past two years in this role. Christine Fruechte, CEO of Colle McVoy, will continue to serve as secretary-treasurer.
Furthermore, the 4A’s welcomes new directors to its board: Christoph Becker, global chair of integration, Edelman (member-at-large); Joe Maglio, CEO, McKinney (member-at-large); and Aaron Walton, CEO and founder, Walton Isaacson (Western region).
“I’m thrilled to partner more closely with Sharon and Vita in their new roles and to continue collaborating with Abbey, Christine and Barry as officers of the executive committee of the board. We’re also excited to welcome Christoph, Joe and Aaron–an impressive group of industry leaders who are passionate advocates for the industry. I look forward to working with our entire board of directors as we continue our mission to enable members’ business transformation with what they need to compete and address the critical challenges and opportunities facing our industry,” said 4A’s president and CEO, Marla Kaplowitz.
The 4A’s now has the first majority female board leadership in its history. The 4A’s serves 600+ member agencies across 1,200 offices, which help direct more than 85% of total U.S. advertising spend.
