ANA CEO Bob Liodice to Step Down After More Than Three Decades of Industry Leadership

NEW YORK, NY - April 16, 2026 - The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) today announced that CEO Bob Liodice will step down at the end of 2026, concluding a 31-year tenure with the organization, including 23 years as chief executive.

His departure marks a significant leadership transition for the ANA and the marketing industry, as disruption across data, media, AI and measurement continues to reshape how marketing operates and how performance is defined.

Liodice will remain CEO through year-end to ensure a smooth transition and will serve in an advisory role through March 2027.

The ANA Board of Directors, led by Chairman Dean Aragón and former Chairman Marc Pritchard, will conduct a comprehensive search for his successor. The next CEO will build on ANA's scale and influence while advancing its role as the industry's guide through the most significant shift in modern marketing - where artificial intelligence is reshaping how value is created, measured, and sustained.

Liodice's transition follows a tenure defined by sustained growth, expanded influence, and the evolution of the ANA into the world's largest marketer collective.

"I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the ANA and the broader marketing community" said Liodice. "Together with our members, we built the ANA into the leading voice for marketers and a catalyst for growth and change. I believe this is the right time to transition leadership to the next generation, and I have great confidence in the organization's future and continued impact."

"Bob's leadership has been transformational," said Aragón. "He expanded the ANA's influence and played a central role in advancing the standards and practices that define modern marketing. On behalf of the Board, we are deeply grateful for his contributions and look forward to building on the strong foundation he has created."

"The leadership Bob has demonstrated for decades is truly remarkable," said Pritchard. "His impact leaves a lasting imprint on the ANA, its members, and the entire industry. The organization is well-positioned for the future, with strong membership, a clear strategic direction, and exceptional capabilities. It has been a privilege working with such an amazing leader."

Transformational Leadership & Industry Impact

Under Liodice's leadership, the ANA significantly expanded its scale and influence across the global marketing ecosystem. Membership grew from 188 companies to more than 1,600, representing over 20,000 brands, and 50,000 marketing professionals worldwide, supported by the strategic acquisition of five industry associations.

Today, ANA delivers more than 1,000 annual events, including training programs and 60+ conferences, highlighted by its flagship Masters of Marketing.

Liodice led industry-defining initiatives that advanced accountability and transparency. The 2016 Media Transparency (K2) report exposed non-transparent practices in the media supply chain and drove industry-wide change.

He continued to advance modernization through efforts such as the Programmatic Media Study (2023) and the launch of Aquila, ANA's cross media measurement solution (2026), providing marketers with critical tools for a complex, data-driven environment.

In addition, he played a critical role in advancing cross-industry collaboration, supporting the development of foundational organizations and standards such as Ad ID, the Trustworthy Accountability Group (TAG), the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA), and Making Measurement Make Sense (3MS). He also helped drive the creation of the Coalition for Better Ads, Privacy for America and the Partnership for Responsible Addressable Media, reinforcing a shared commitment to improving transparency, consumer trust, and media quality. Rounding out his contributions, Liodice serves on the boards of the World Federation of Advertisers, and the Advertising Council while championing industry self-regulation through his board position on the BBB National Programs.

Liodice will continue to lead ANA through the end of 2026, maintaining focus on strategic priorities and ensuring continuity for members, partners, and stakeholders during the transition. His tenure leaves an enduring legacy that will shape the marketing industry for years to come.

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About the ANA

The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) is the definitive voice of the marketing industry. Since 1910, we have set and advanced the agenda for marketing transformation, connecting over 1,600 member companies to an influential global network, insights and resources that drive growth. Our members represent 20,000 brands and $400 billion in annual marketing investment. Through industry-leading research, the CMO Growth Council, and our proprietary Growth Agenda and Practices, the ANA empowers marketers to shape the future of marketing and create lasting impact for their organizations and the industry.