ad:tech Gets New Chair (Person, Not Office Furniture)

As ad:tech kicks off its Chicago conference, changes afoot in the organization's corner office. Susan Bratton, who has been the Programming Chair for many years is shifting her responsibilities and will become Chair Emeritus. Drew Ianni will take the Programming Chair position and be responsible for continuing the expansion of ad:tech.

In a press release, Ianni said, "As ad:tech continues to thrive and grow, we must maintain our reputation as a place people come to learn. The content and programming have to remain on point and of the highest quality. Time is increasingly scarce and valuable, so we must make it worthwhile for industry influencers and leaders to take the time off and attend. ad:tech has achieved its role as the gravitational center of this industry by doing just that, and I intend to keep us here."

And VP Don Knox had kind words for Bratton, saying, "Susan has helped define ad:tech. Establishing it as the leader in interactive marketing conferences and exhibitions. She weathered the industry downturn, working incredibly hard, and helped us to re-emerge triumphant with this year's record-setting attendance in San Francisco and vibrant growth here in Chicago."

And of Ianni's appointment, Knox added, "Drew has big shoes to fill, but will do so ably, bringing a unique skill set from his deep experience in research and analysis on Wall Street and on the agency side of the industry."

Ianni's industry experience began in 1995 at CKS Partners. In 1998, he relocated to Jupiter Research in New York, where he served as an online advertising analyst and then regional advertising director for the AsiaPacific region. From there, he went to Lazard Freres, working as a sell-side equity research analyst in interactive services. Next, he becaome @tmosphere CEO and. most recently, headed Sheridan Square Partners - a virtual network of freelancers.

So, there you have it. The changing of the guard