Skip to content
ATDbbeta
MK

Marla Kaplowitz

Thought Leader

Marla Kaplowitz served as President & CEO of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's) from 2017 to 2025, leading the industry's foremost trade organization through a period of significant transformation in advertising and media. Prior to the 4A's, she was President of MEC North America (now Wavemaker) and held senior leadership roles at Mediaedge:cia. Since departing the 4A's, she has transitioned to a portfolio career as an independent board director for Penn Entertainment, Butler/Till, and #paid, and serves as a strategic advisor to LoopMe.

Last updated Jun 11, 2026 by ATDb automated enrichment · Connections updated Jun 15, 2026

Role
Independent Board Director & Advisor
Based
New York, New York, United States
Boards
3
Connections
2
Years in industry
30 years

Bio

Marla Kaplowitz served as President & CEO of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's) from 2017 to 2025, leading the industry's foremost trade organization through a period of significant transformation in advertising and media. Prior to the 4A's, she was President of MEC North America (now Wavemaker) and held senior leadership roles at Mediaedge:cia. Since departing the 4A's, she has transitioned to a portfolio career as an independent board director for Penn Entertainment, Butler/Till, and #paid, and serves as a strategic advisor to LoopMe.

Career

  • President & CEO

    American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's) · 2017–2025

  • President

    MEC North America (now Wavemaker) · 2013–2017

  • Senior Leadership

    Mediaedge:cia · 2000s–2013

Board memberships

Penn EntertainmentButler/Till#paid

Advisory roles

LoopMe

Expertise & education

Expertise

Advertising Industry Policy & AdvocacyMedia Agency OperationsBrand SafetyDiversity, Equity & Inclusion in AdvertisingAgency-Client RelationshipsMedia Planning & BuyingTrade Organization LeadershipProgrammatic Advertising

Education

  • Bachelor's Degree, University at Albany, State University of New York

Speaking topics

Future of the Advertising Agency ModelBrand Safety and Media QualityDiversity and Inclusion in AdvertisingAgency-Client RelationshipsIndustry Standards and Self-RegulationMedia Transformation and Digital Disruption

Recognition

Notable achievements

  • Served as President & CEO of the 4A's from 2017 to 2025, stewarding the industry's leading advertising trade organization through major digital and cultural transformation
  • Led the 4A's through significant industry challenges including brand safety, data privacy, and workforce diversity initiatives
  • Previously served as President of MEC North America (now Wavemaker), one of the world's largest media agencies
  • Transitioned to a portfolio career as independent board director for Penn Entertainment, Butler/Till, and #paid, and strategic advisor to LoopMe

Awards

Recognized among leading executives in advertising trade and agency leadership

Publications

  • Frequent contributor and quoted expert in Ad Age, Adweek, Campaign US, and The Wall Street Journal on advertising industry topics
Connection details