Guy Parker Elected as First President of the ICAS Global Think Tank

London / Brussels, 28 May 2025 – The International Council for Advertising Self-Regulation (ICAS) is pleased to announce that Guy Parker has been elected as the first President of the ICAS Global Think Tank. His election was confirmed during the ICAS Annual General Meeting, held virtually on 27 May 2025.

Launched in New York in September 2024, the ICAS Global Think Tank is a first-of-its-kind, inclusive platform for thought leadership and collaboration on the future of responsible advertising and self-regulation. The Think Tank brings together advertising standards bodies, global, regional and local brands, agencies, academics, consumer voices, and legal experts to help shape evidence-based policy and address emerging challenges in advertising.

Guy Parker, who served as President of ICAS from 2021 to 2025, brings decades of leadership experience to the role. He is currently Chief Executive of the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), a position he has held since 2009, and is a globally recognized advocate for responsible advertising and effective self-regulation.

Commenting on his election, Guy Parker said:

I’m honoured to be elected the first President of the ICAS Global Think Tank. In times of rapid change, we need a platform that is inclusive, forward-looking, truly global, and open to innovation. The Think Tank will enable meaningful dialogue among diverse voices and support deep thinking, grounded in evidence. Together, we can help shape responsible advertising that works better for people, businesses, and society. I look forward to working with our global community to drive lasting, positive impact.

Alongside Guy Parker’s election, ICAS members also elected a Steering Committee that will support his presidency and help guide the strategic direction of the Think Tank. The committee brings together a diverse group of experts and leaders from across the global advertising ecosystem:

• Angela Mills Wade, Executive Director, European Publishers Council
• Catherine Bate, President & CEO of Ad Standards, Canada
• Charo Fernando Magarzo, Deputy Director General of AUTOCONTROL, Spain
• Gail Schimmel, CEO at the Advertising Regulatory Board, South Africa
• Isha Singh, Head- Legal, Home Care, Unilever South Asia
• Manisha Kapoor, CEO & Secretary General of ASCI, India
• Mary Engle, Executive Vice President, Policy at BBB National Programs, USA
• Michael Todd, Global Director, Industry Relations at Google
• Richard Saturley, Chief Marketing Officer, World Out of Home Organization (WOO)

The ICAS Global Think Tank will continue to be developed and consolidated in the years to come to become a key hub for research, open discussion, and practical recommendations that support high standards in advertising worldwide.