IPA celebrates 30 inclusivity trailblazers on iList 2024

Driving positive change within the advertising industry and the work it produces

Thirty champions of inclusivity have been named on the IPA iList 2024 for their incredible commitment to driving positive change within the advertising industry and the work it produces.

Established in 2020 and run in partnership with Campaign, the IPA iList honours inclusivity gamechangers, giving them a platform to share best practice, thought leadership and to provide tangible solutions to help improve the overall diversity and inclusion of the ad industry.

This year’s iList individuals work in disciplines ranging from creative and production, to strategy and client services and come from all levels of seniority. Highlights of their inclusivity activity includes encouraging intergenerational conversations and raising awareness of menopause in the workplace, tackling transphobia and classism within the creative industries, removing any stigma that disability means inability, and fighting for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and gender and race equity.

The 2024 finalists were chosen by a panel of diversity and inclusion icons and iList alumni, chaired by IPA Talent Leadership Group Chair and incoming CEO, AMV BBDO Group, Xavier Rees.

The IPA iList 2024:

  • Mercy Abel, Impact & Marketing Lead, John Doe
  • David Adamson, Strategy Director, T&P𝑚
  • Nic Alford, New Business Manager, BBH London
  • Zaid Al-Qassab, Group CEO, M&C Saatchi
  • Elizabeth Anyaegbuna, Co-founder, 16x9media
  • Isabelle Bale, Strategy Director, Europe, M&C Saatchi World Services
  • Yolande Battell, Former EVP Client Management, Jellyfish
  • Natalie Bell, CEO, MG OMD
  • Dan Clays, Chief Executive Officer, Omnicom Media Group, EMEA
  • Rodney Collins, EVP, Global Head of Human Sciences, McCann Worldgroup
  • Rachel D’Cunha, Strategy Partner, Wavemaker
  • Marty Davies, Founder, Smarty Pants
  • Matt Davis, Co-owner and ECD, Red Brick Road
  • Katie Farmer, Global Head of Production, Gravity Road
  • Allison Gilbert, Associate Director DE&I, RAPP
  • Obinna Iwuji, Global Content Manager, Wavemaker
  • Britt Iversen, Executive Head of Strategy, Havas London
  • Vicky Janaway, Chief Client Officer, The Gate (part of MSQ)
  • Lynne Jarrett, Head of Insight, GroupM
  • Ellie Jones, Talent Acquisition Advisor, Early Careers, UM London (part of Mediabrands UK)
  • Danny Josephs, COO, mFUSE
  • Tom King, Strategist, Havas
  • Jordan McDowell, Strategy Director, McCann Manchester
  • Polly McMorrow, CEO, McCann London
  • Ahmed Omer, Marketing Director, Spin
  • Collette Philip, Founder/ Managing Director, Brand by Me Ltd
  • Prianka Ramlugun, Strategist, Publicis Poke
  • Ed Riseman, Co-founder and General Manager, big group
  • Michelle Sarpong, Commercial Lead, the7stars
  • Angeline Umba, AV Media Buyer, Republic of Media

The IPA iList jury also named nine people who were nominated for the iList that are working outside of agencies that deserve to be recognized for their incredible contribution towards making the industry diverse and inclusive.

Special mentions for contributions to the industry:

  • Lydia Amoah, Founder of Backlight and The Black Pound Report
  • Marco Bertozzi, Co-Founder, TheZoo.London
  • Chloe Davies, Founder of It Takes A Village and Co Founder of Join Our Table
  • Rachel Forde, Co-Founder, TheZoo.London
  • Emma Gardner, Co-Founder & COO, With Not For
  • Kelly Gordon, CEO, With Not For
  • Nicky Kemp, Editorial Director, Creativebrief
  • Naren Patel, CEO/Founder/Chairman, Media For All
  • Rak Patel, Head of Enterprise Sales, EMEA, Spotify

Commenting on the IPA iList 2024, members of the judging panel said:

Xavier Rees, IPA Talent Leadership Group Chair and incoming CEO, AMV BBDO Group:

"I came away from the IPA iList judging in awe of the almost industrial levels of passion and energy that so many people are putting in - alongside their already demanding day jobs - to push for a fairer, more diverse, more united industry. 2024’s iListers are unafraid to have the uncomfortable conversations that have never been more needed. Unwilling to have their enthusiasm tempered. And as a result, they are unequivocally changing their workplaces – and often the industry as a whole – for the better.

As Chair of the IPA Talent Leadership Group, I would like to thank everyone who entered and say a huge congratulations to this year’s winners. From senior leaders to people just starting out, I am left with a sense that our industry is now driving for change at a scale we’ve never seen before.

Xavier Rees, IPA Talent Leadership Group Chair and incoming CEO, AMV BBDO Group

Leila Siddiqi, Director of D&I, IPA:

"The IPA is committed to improving diversity and inclusion within adland and through the third edition of the iList we are hoping to send a strong message of solidarity and positivity to the industry. The achievements of the IPA iList are an important reminder that we must not backpedal on the progress we have made as an industry in this area over the last five years. We hope that the iList paves the way for many others to take up the baton and inspire further positive transformation in our industry."

Gideon Spanier, UK Editor-in-Chief, Campaign:

"The IPA iList 2024 is an inspiring mix of pioneers, changemakers and leaders who impressed the judges with their passion and dedication. The advertising industry should take heart because these iListers are committed to driving further progress on diversity, equity and inclusion at a time when fresh momentum is required."

Josh Krichefski, IPA President and CEO UK & EMEA, GroupM:

"These formidable iList 2024 individuals, which my fellow Judges and I have had the genuine pleasure of engaging with, absolutely embody the act and positive impact of putting people first. With their energy, commitment, drive, ambition, authenticity and kindness, and through their ceaseless hard work in improving the diversity and inclusivity of our industry, they are demonstrably and significantly improving the lives of our colleagues and making the industry a better place to be."

Discover the 2024 iListers and their D&I initiatives
Last updated 01 May 2024