Announcing the DMA's new CEO

Rachel Aldighieri will lead the growth of the UK’s leading trade association for data-driven marketing as the UK enters a new era of its digital evolution, with outgoing CEO Chris Combemale assuming role of public affairs director to support the UK’s legislative agenda

3rd December 2024 - The new CEO of the Data & Marketing Association (DMA UK) has today reaffirmed her commitment to championing growth, effectiveness and trust across the marketing industry, as she sets out her vision to support the evolution of more ethical, diverse, creative, and innovative organisations through data-driven marketing.

Rachel Aldighieri, who has held the role of Managing Director at the DMA for nearly a decade, will take over from current CEO Chris Combemale, who will assume the role of public affairs director after more than 15 years at the helm, on 1st January 2025.

As the UK enters a new era of its digital evolution, AI, technology and data are at the heart of the government’s agenda for growth. Meanwhile, legislative and ethical frameworks continue to evolve at rapid speed, and the marketing industry’s role in driving business growth is under the spotlight like never before. In response, Aldighieri says the DMA has a key role to play in professionalising the industry, helping both private and public sector organisations tackle digital transformation and navigate the challenges that come with a constantly changing world.

“In times of regulatory change, the importance of trade bodies cannot be understated,” commented Aldighieri. “As the voice of the data and marketing industry, run by the industry for the industry, we are committed to championing growth, effectiveness and trust across the sector, and setting high standards to give marketers a strategic voice in the boardroom. As CEO, I will continue to build on the DMA’s empowerment agenda through our proven approach to measurement, upskilling, and customer-first principles to ensure the DMA makes a recognisable difference to marketers by amplifying their voice across industry.”

Uniquely customer-centric, data-focused, and well-equipped to navigate industry challenges, the DMA is the UK’s leading marketing trade body focused on championing the customer. Its trusted role and broad industry influence is underpinned by its commitment to shaping the future of marketing and data usage through the DMA Code, which promotes one-to-one marketing as a true exchange of value between businesses and their customers through five clear principles.

Champions of ‘marketing for good’, spurred on by the belief that marketing can drive a difference to not just businesses but society as a whole, the DMA is customer-first in the way that it educates businesses on how to prioritise their customers while setting standards to enable marketers to do so through the responsible and innovative use of data in marketing. Its Skills Bootcamps and the development of core measurement frameworks help to unlock and maximise opportunities for everyone using data in marketing, while its work to showcase the value of creativity drives home the the benefits that come from marketers embracing brand activity and rejecting short-termism. To celebrate this, the DMA’s annual UK Awards programme is known across the industry for recognising creativity, data, strategy and results-driven work.

“We are proud of the diverse and vibrant community we have built, and want to continue on this strong trajectory,” continued Aldighieri. “As CEO, I see a clear opportunity for the DMA to have an even broader and more positive impact on the economy and wider society by empowering our members, championing data and emerging technologies in a responsible way, and prioritising talent through driving diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Assuming the role of the DMA’s public affairs director, Chris Combemale said: “ As the UK continues the process of its digital evolution, I am delighted to continue to represent the industry in legislative and regulatory affairs in my new role. I remain passionately committed to ensuring the Data (Use and Access) Bill successfully completes its legislative passage and will continue to fight hard to secure amendments that are essential to charities and data providers in our community Shaping the industry’s approach to responsible marketing and influencing the legislative framework during fifteen years of dramatic transformation has been at the heart of my tenure. The dramatic transformation of customer engagement in the digital era has coincided with macro level challenges such as the financial crisis, the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, which our industry has navigated successfully.”

Chair of the DMA UK, Tony Miller, added: “On behalf of the DMA, I would like to congratulate Rachel on her richly deserved appointment as CEO and put on record my sincere thanks to Chris for his 15 years of service in the role. I look forward to continuing to work closely with both Rachel and Chris as we embrace this next chapter in the DMA’s exciting growth journey.”