The ISBA Council has today announced the appointment of Mark Given, Sainsbury’s Chief Technology, Marketing and Data Officer, as President. This is the first new appointment made by ISBA Director General, Simon Michaelides who joined in November 2025.
Mark has been a valued member of the Council for six years and now, as ISBA President, will chair the Council. The Council is ISBA’s statutory Board and is made up of C-Suite leaders from member organisations.
Mark will provide guidance and support to Simon and lead ISBA’s strategic direction, helping members navigate, shape and succeed in an increasingly complex and fast-changing advertising landscape.
Commenting on his appointment, Simon Michaelides, ISBA Director General, said: “I’m delighted that Mark has agreed to be our President and lead ISBA’s Board. Mark is one of the UK’s most respected and effective commercial leaders. His experience and expertise spans both advertising and technology and I look forward to working with him to ensure that ISBA remains relevant and impactful for members in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. His insight, oversight and counsel will be invaluable at this pivotal time.”
Mark oversees Technology, Data and Insights, Marketing and Nectar360 at Sainsbury’s. Under his leadership, the Group is accelerating investment and driving maximum value by bringing together critical expertise in engineering, AI, loyalty and customer engagement. Mark first joined Sainsbury’s in 2012, becoming Chief Marketing Officer in August 2019 and joining Sainsbury’s Operating Board in June 2020. Since 2024, Mark has been the Operating Board Sponsor for the LGBT+ inclusion lane.
In 2025, Mark was awarded Marketer of the Year by Marketing Week and Inspirational Marketing Leader 2025 by The Marketing Society.
Prior to joining Sainsbury’s, Mark built his digital skills leading the Priority programme at O2, where he was Head of Sponsorship. Before this, Mark worked with key brands at Heineken UK where he was Brand Director. He began his career at Procter & Gamble UK before working across Europe on a variety of brands.
Mark Given, ISBA President, said of his appointment: “I am honoured to take on the role of ISBA President, as well as the responsibility to shape our industry for the better. Together, by harnessing the collective expertise and passion of our members, I believe we can champion innovation, drive standards higher and ensure that marketing continues to deliver real, lasting value for people right across the UK.”
Mark begins his role as ISBA President with immediate effect and will take to the stage at ISBA's President's Lunch on 1 July for a welcome speech and to announce the winners of the ISBA President's Awards.
You can find out more and buy your tickets, here.