IAB Australia has named Vanya Mariani as the new chair of the IAB Australia board, as Matt Rowley steps down from the role following his departure as Pedestrian Group CEO last month.

Mariani, who is Commercial Director - Media (Sales & Customer Solutions) for digital automotive marketplace Carsales, was previously the Deputy Chair of the board. She will work closely with IAB Australia CEO, Gai Le Roy, on several initiatives including ad effectiveness, audience measurement, reducing industry carbon emissions, and navigating changes in data usage and privacy obligations.

The leadership shuffle also sees Seven West Media Director Data and Growth, Andrew Brain, appointed Deputy Chair, while Rebecca Costello join the IAB Board as the new representative for The Guardian, and Suzie Cardwell joins on behalf of Nine.

IAB CEO Gai Le Roy said: "I would like to thank Matt for being an incredible chair and ambassador for the digital advertising industry. During his tenure the IAB in Australia has continued to significantly expand membership, roll out a new audience ratings currency, play a major role in industry policy areas and helped drive deeper connections across the industry. I am looking forward to working closely with Vanya, a passionate and positive industry leader representing an innovative and successful Australian business, who will help lead the board and identify important initiatives for the digital advertising industry."

"It has been a pleasure to be co-chair of the IAB alongside Matt Rowley over the last 18 months, and I feel privileged to take the reins of chair officially. It's a transformational period for our industry and with that comes incredible opportunity to raise the bar on how we all operate. The IAB is committed to supporting the digital ecosystem on several key areas. Our vision is clear, and we have a wonderful team of experts that executes with excellence," said Mariani.

Reflecting on his exit, Rowley said he was confident Mariani and Le Roy would elevate the organisation to "even greater heights". "Over my years of involvement I've seen the IAB grow into Australia's 'United Nations' of digital advertising. Like the UN, the work the IAB undertakes is complex yet immensely valuable."