The Association for Data-Driven Marketing and Advertising (ADMA) has named Dr. Rob Nicholls as Manager, Regulatory and Policy as the industry body prepares for the "biggest overhaul the Privacy Act has seen".

Nicholls brings over 40 years of experience in competition, regulation, and governance to the role, having previously held positions at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Webb Henderson, and Gilbert + Tobin. He is an accredited mediator with a PhD and MA from the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

"We’re excited to welcome Rob to our team. His extensive regulatory expertise makes him a great fit for this role, especially as the marketing industry faces some huge regulatory changes, including the biggest overhaul the Privacy Act has seen. This reform will have a wide-ranging ripple effect and Rob’s exceptional regulatory and privacy knowledge make him a fantastic voice to Government for the marketing industry, and will also help ADMA members adapt to the changed landscape," said Director of Regulatory and Advocacy at ADMA, Sarla Fernando.

In his new role, Nicholls will work alongside Sarla Fernando, Director of Regulatory and Advocacy, on policy and regulatory issues related to data governance and data-driven marketing. He will also work closely with government stakeholders to promote responsible and effective data use for marketing, while ensuring ADMA’s members are prepared for the evolving regulatory landscape.

Nicholls has advised regulators, governments, and the regulated sector both in Australia and internationally, and has led academic research focused on the intersection of technology and regulation.

"I’m honoured to be joining ADMA and working alongside Sarla Fernando, Andrea Martens, and the wider team who have shown incredible leadership in this space over the past few years. I’m eager to leverage my expertise to help marketing practitioners adapt to the upcoming changes and create more sustainable practices which serve the needs of consumers and business alike," said Nicholls.