Jason Cobbold CEO of BMB has been named Chair of the IPA Commercial Leadership Group, while Nick Maddison, Managing Partner at the7stars and Genna Trentham, Client MD at Wavemaker UK will co-Chair the IPA Client Relationship Group.
In his role, Jason will host the flagship IPA Business Growth Conference and steer the IPA Commercial Pillar’s overall direction through new research, best practice guides, courses, events and thought leadership. Jason will also host a new IPA podcast The Money and the Magic, launching later this quarter.
As Client Relationship Group co-Chairs, Nick and Genna will champion the role of client service amongst both clients and agencies, and support account handlers in building mutually beneficial partnerships with their clients.
The Commercial Leadership and Client Relationship Groups form a part of the IPA Commercial Pillar, alongside the IPA Sustainability Action, Finance Business and New Business and Marketing Groups, which seeks to help agencies drive profitable and sustainable growth in the long-term. Recent research from the IPA Commercial Pillar includes Agents of Change, Defining the modern workplace, Shift happens and Partnering for Growth.
Commenting on the appointments, IPA Director of Agency Value, Joyce Kelso said: “We are in the midst of challenging times for the advertising industry and the wider economy, so it is vital that the IPA continue to provide agencies with all of the tools to drive mutually beneficial value and growth for clients and their own businesses.
As the Chairs of the IPA Commercial Leadership and Client Relationship Groups, Jason, Nick and Genna will play an invaluable role in helping us to do exactly that, while boosting the value of the wider industry in the process. I look forward to working with them in the coming months and am delighted to welcome them as our new IPA Chairs.
Says Jason Cobbold, CEO, BMB: “How to grow is the eternal question for any business in any industry. That question is particularly timely for agency businesses who face a unique mix of challenges, from disruptive tech and the need for new skillsets to changing business models. I'm delighted to work with colleagues from the industry to help understand and navigate these and seek out the opportunities for collective growth.”
Says Nick Maddison, Managing Partner, the7stars: “Growth doesn’t just happen – it needs the fusion of energy, collaboration, bravery, and insight (and no doubt some good fortune). In our industry these elements of potential success are driven by human endeavours and great relationships, which is why I’m totally made up to co-chair the group with Genna. Together, we’ll give it our all to drive good growth.”
Says Genna Trentham, Client MD, Wavemaker UK: “In an industry powered by connection, strong relationships are the foundation of growth. By forging trust and collaboration, we empower our clients and agencies to achieve their fullest potential together. As IPA's new Chair, I'm thrilled to help navigate the industry's twists and turns, championing partnerships that create enduring value for everyone involved.”
For more from the IPA Commercial Pillar, visit the IPA Business Growth Hub.
Jason joined BMB as CEO in 2018 and has spearheaded the growth and transformation of the agency over the last 6 years. His successes include new business wins and campaigns with household brands such as Samsung, Nike, Farrow & Ball, Innocent and Allianz amongst others. He is also a member of the IPA Council and has contributed over a number of years to the commercial and client agenda of the organisation.
Prior to BMB, Jason’s career covered spells at some of the world’s best known creative businesses including BMP DDB, TBWA, Publicis and BBH. He has consulted on and developed work with clients across a range of sectors from sport to tech and household goods, including companies such as Johnnie Walker, Renault, Harvey Nichols, Boots, Pernod Ricard and PepsiCo.
Jason is the current Chair of GB Snowsports, supporting the organisation's growth, and its preparations for the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. As Chair of the Board, Jason oversees the long-term direction and governance of over 10 different Winter Olympic and Paralympic sports in Great Britain.
Outside of work, Jason is a keen player of the game of “Go” (he was a former junior champion in the UK) and is a lifelong supporter of Arsenal FC, and Islington Boxing Club.
Nick has worked in the media industry in London for over 30 years. His career began by working on clients such as Carling, Marlboro, and British Rail, all of whom demanded and deserved the best service, which Nick was proud to deliver. His experience grew through relationships with businesses including BT, Unilever, Nestlé, 20th Century Fox, and Samsung, leading up to his joining the7stars in 2010.
At the7stars, Nick oversees client relations for the agency. During the 14 years at the7stars, he has led numerous accounts across almost every business vertical. This extensive experience has provided him with a wealth of knowledge in client relations and a deep appreciation for thriving and enjoying the role in the ever-demanding world of account management.
A senior media professional relentlessly focused on being an indispensable partner for my clients, bringing them ideas and work that positively provokes their growth. Genna has a strong track record of becoming a trusted and long-term partner to senior clients across entertainment, finance, FMCG, luxury and travel sectors, alongside developing an excellent team of planning practitioners. Genna believes that we should 'be the change' that we want to see in the industry, so she actively leads Diversity and Inclusion groups, particularly helping those who've taken extended time out to get back into the industry and coaching our future generation of client leaders. Genna is co-Chair of the IPA Client Relationship Group and was a Campaign 40 over 40 winner in 2024.