London, June 2026: Katie Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Starcom UK, has been appointed President of WACL (Women in Advertising and Communications Leadership), with Liz Wilson, outgoing Group Chief Integration Officer at Landor, named as Vice President for 2026/2027. The organisation continues to strengthen its role as a driving force for gender equity, leadership and industry change across advertising, marketing and communications.
Lee succeeds Claire Sadler, CMO at The British Heart Foundation, whose Presidency has focused on strengthening partnerships, engagement and launching the first wave of the male allyship initiative across WACL. Wilson joins Lee, following her role in the WACL executive having served as Honorary Treasurer for the past year, as the organisation continues to extend its influence and impact across the industry.
A longstanding and active member of WACL for more than a decade, Lee has held a number of leadership roles within the organisation, including serving on the Talent Festival committee, the communications committee and as Honorary Secretary. She has played a central role in shaping some of WACL’s most impactful initiatives, including the WACL Talent Festival, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year and now reaches audiences across three UK locations (London, Edinburgh and Manchester).
Together, Lee and Wilson have both played key roles in shaping WACL’s recent initiatives and direction, helping to drive its work across its three consistent strategic priorities: supporting the community of women in the industry, inspiring and developing the next generation of leaders, and campaigning to accelerate gender equality.
As President, Lee will focus on strengthening belonging, participation and impact across the WACL community. Ensuring members feel empowered to contribute to the organisation’s mission and extend that influence into the wider industry.
Katie Lee, incoming WACL President and Chief Executive Officer of Starcom UK said: “WACL has evolved enormously during my time as a member, becoming a powerful force for campaigning, mentoring and industry change. At a time when many senior women are navigating significant pressure and uncertainty, I don’t think there has ever been a greater need for support, connection and belonging within our industry. As President, I want to ensure every member feels confident in the role they can play at every stage of their WACL journey – both within the organisation and in driving wider industry impact.”
Liz Wilson, incoming WACL Vice President said: “The industry is facing a level and pace of structural change we’ve never seen before, and the human impact is profound. WACL’s role in shaping the agenda has never mattered more and our ambitions have never been greater. As Katie and I step up to our new roles, we will build on the momentum of the last few years to strengthen the community and continue to expand WACL’s reach and impact for women both inside and outside the Club.”
