Advertising Standards Canada has announced the appointment of Jani Yates as its new president and CEO. She takes over the role from Linda J. Nagel, who resigned from the position in November last year.

Yates comes to the new role at the independent industry body from the Institute of Communication Agencies (ICA), where she has been for the last 18 years, nine of them as president.

She is currently chair of the CASSIES and is also on Humber College’s advisory board.

“[Yates’] rich knowledge of ASC and the complexities of self-regulation, and strong ties with a broad range of industry stakeholders, will certainly continue to advance our mission and mandate in the years to come,” Sandy McLeod, ASC board chair and COO, print, Toronto Star Newspapers, said in a statement.

Yates departure from the ICA follows the resignation of its CEO Gillian Graham, who announced her exit in March this year, and will remain with the organization until July.

Penny Stevens, president, Media Experts and chair of the 2016 board of directors stated in a press release that Yates’ exit was unforeseen. “While Jani’s announcement is unexpected, the energy and commitment of the ICA staff gives us great confidence in the continued excellence of the ICA. In addition, it does provide an opportunity for us to rethink the overall leadership structure, roles and responsibilities to meet the needs of the ICA, now and in the future.”