The Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) has appointed Alison Simpson as its new president and chief executive officer.

“Alison is an accomplished executive leader and an award-winning marketer with extensive brand and agency experience,” said Kerri Dawson, chair of the board of directors of the CMA.

Simpson brings with her a wealth of experience having served as president of several marketing agencies. She has also led integrated marketing and customer experience teams for top tier brands, including Holt Renfrew, Rogers Communications and TMX Group. 

Previously, Simpson was chief marketing officer and head of consumer business at Key. Currently, she’s a director of the CNIB Foundation in Ontario and Quebec, and serves on the advisory board for the Master of Management Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Program at the Smith School of Business.

“The marketing industry is incredibly dynamic and experiencing unparalleled change,” said Simpson. “I look forward to seizing every opportunity to help marketers develop professionally, contribute to marketing thought leadership, build strong networks, and strengthen the regulatory climate for business success.”

The search to fill this role began in the spring. During this period, the association was led by Sartaj Sarkaria, interim chief operating officer and chief diversity officer.