The 4As Announces New CEO to Lead the Agency Community into the Future

NEW YORK, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 4As (American Association of Advertising Agencies) is proud to announce the appointment of Justin Thomas-Copeland as its next Chief Executive Officer. Thomas-Copeland will succeed Marla Kaplowitz, who has successfully led the organization for eight years and will be stepping down to pursue the next phase of her professional journey on May 30, 2025.

Bringing a wealth of experience in agency leadership, operational excellence and a deep passion for digital transformation and change, Thomas-Copeland is poised to continue the 4As legacy of championing the agency community while driving forward innovation and growth. With a future-focused mindset and a commitment to advocacy, collaboration and thought leadership, he will guide the 4As in ensuring its members thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

"Justin is a leader with the vision, expertise and passion needed to propel the 4As and its members into the future," said Abbey Klaassen, Chair of the 4As Board of Directors and CEO of dentsu Creative. "With a deep understanding of the industry's complexities, he is the right person to champion agencies, drive strategic growth and advocate for the critical role agencies play in business and culture."

Thomas-Copeland joins the 4As with extensive leadership experience across Agencies and Clients as well as several board positions, demonstrating a proven ability to navigate the complexities of agency operations and client organizations, foster innovation and build strong industry relationships. Thomas-Copeland most recently founded and led KINDRD Global, a marketing consultancy specializing in building brands through cultural connections. He was previously CEO of DDB North America, Global CEO of OPMG Health (a division of Omnicom) and President/CEO of Rapp New York. He is known for reimagining how agencies create business value for their clients, bringing people together to form inclusive teams and set shared agendas both agency and client-side, having a love of converging data, technology and creativity and using his natural "can do" energy to co-create solutions.

"I am honored to join the 4As and lead this incredible organization at such a pivotal moment for the industry," said Thomas-Copeland. "Agency value must remain at the forefront of creativity, business impact, modern marketing and cultural influence, and I look forward to collaborating with our members, partners and the broader marketing ecosystem to shape the future of the industry in this way. Thank you to Marla, the Board and the search committee for this opportunity."

The search committee was assisted by global executive search firm Grace Blue. "Grace Blue is hugely proud to have had the chance to partner with the 4As on what such an important and industry-defining role is. It was a privilege to work with the team to find a new leader to take the organization to the future," says Grace Blue founder, Jay Haines.

As the leading trade association for the advertising and marketing industry, the 4As serves more than 600 member agencies across 1,200 offices, helping to direct more than 85% of total U.S. advertising spend. Through its advocacy, thought leadership, talent development programs and industry partnerships, the 4As is dedicated to empowering agencies to innovate, evolve and grow.

Thomas-Copeland officially assumes the role effective today, transitioning alongside Kaplowitz throughout the month of May 2025.

About the 4As
The 4As was established in 1917 to promote, advance, and defend the interests of our member agencies, employees and the advertising and marketing industries overall. We empower and equip our members to confidently navigate the ever-changing ecosystem of the agency world. We ensure they remain relevant, are positioned to compete, and have the resources to thrive and grow. With a focus on advocacy, talent and creating impact, the organization serves 600+ member agencies across 1,200 offices, which help direct more than 85% of total U.S. advertising spend. The 4As includes the 4As Benefits division, which insures more than 160,000 employees; the government relations team, who advocate for policies to support the industry; and the 4As Foundation, which advocates for and connects rising talent to the marketing industry by fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity and craft to fuel a more equitable future for the industry.

Follow the 4As | To learn more, visit: https://www.aaaa.org/.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Risi
The Sway Effect
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SOURCE American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As)