ISBA President Mark Given today announced the winners of the 2026 ISBA President’s Awards at the ISBA President’s Lunch, held at The Dorchester Hotel. Director General Simon Michaelides also announced Channel 4 as the first recipient of the new Director General’s Award.
The President’s Award winners were recognised for their support of ISBA and their contribution to the organisation’s key priorities.
This year’s winners are:
- Tom Chard, Media and Campaign Planning Lead, Tesco
Tom has played a leading role in advancing inclusion and accessibility across the industry. As co-chair of ISBA’s Inclusion Network, he has supported ISBA’s work and the Unstereotype Alliance, while continuing to champion accessible advertising through the Ad Accessibility Network.
- Lisa Walker, Head of Three, Value Brands, Retail and Loyalty, VodafoneThree
Lisa chaired ISBA’s Media Leaders Group for nine years while serving on ISBA’s Executive Committee. A respected voice across the industry, she has generously shared her experience and insight with fellow ISBA members.
- Nicki Brown, Director of Media, BBC
Nicki has made a significant contribution to ISBA as an active participant and chair of two member groups. Through her contributions on stage and in writing, she shares valuable real-world experience with fellow members and sets a strong example through her commitment to ISBA.
- Peter Rowe, Formerly Head of Media, NatWest Group
As Chair of ISBA’s TV Group, Peter has shown a strong commitment to advancing advertisers’ interests. Drawing on his breadth of expertise, he has represented ISBA at industry conferences and championed Origin’s adoption at every opportunity.
Commenting on the winners, ISBA President Mark Given said: “These awards recognise individual members who have made a significant contribution to ISBA’s priorities and acted as ambassadors for wider industry initiatives.”
The Director General’s Award has been introduced to recognise an organisation that has made a significant contribution to ISBA’s priorities and wider industry initiatives.
The inaugural award was presented to Channel 4 for its work supporting advertisers to deliver authentic, effective and inclusive advertising.
Channel 4 has helped marketers better understand and create representative advertising, while supporting positive change across UK advertising as an engaged member of ISBA’s Ad Accessibility Taskforce.
This year, it went further by introducing the Accessible Ads Mandate, requiring all advertising on its platform to meet accessibility standards.
Commenting on the inaugural Director General’s Award, ISBA Director General Simon Michaelides said: “This is a way to celebrate one of our member organisations that has made a significant contribution over the year and brought real change for the benefit of our industry. Channel 4’s Accessible Ads Mandate is a watershed moment, moving the dial from aspiration to obligation and setting a new benchmark for what the industry can and should expect of advertisers.”