Media Trust appoints new Chair, Vice Chairs and three new Trustees to its Board

At Media Trust, we believe when everyone has an equal voice, that’s how we’ll get to a more equal society. Our work to connect media organisations with charities and underrepresented talent, with the shared goals of empowering the third sector and advancing representation in the media industry, has never been more vital.  

We couldn’t do this work without our Board of Trustees. Their passion for our work, insights and wise counsel have been instrumental in driving Media Trust’s growth and impact. 

New leadership

As we near our 30th anniversary, we are delighted to be announcing Ian Edwards, UK Head of Agencies + Global Connection Planning Director, Meta, as our new Chair. Ian has served as a Media Trust Trustee for six years, and we are extremely grateful for his commitment to the organisation. 

Alongside our new Chair, we are delighted to announce that Ete Davies, EVP, Dentsu Creative EMEA, and Mel Exon, Creative Industry Board Advisor, Campaigner & Writer, will be stepping up as Vice-Chairs. 

Special thanks to Philip Thomas, CEO of Ascential PLC and Chair of Cannes Lions, who stood down as Media Trust Chair earlier this year after three years in the role. Phil’s outstanding leadership and commitment to Media Trust’s work has been unwavering, and we could not be more delighted that he has chosen to remain as a Trustee going forward. 

Introducing our new trustees

We are also thrilled to announce the appointment of three new Trustees, whose diverse skills, experience and networks will further strengthen our Board and Media Trust’s ability to deliver on our mission, as we continue to train, mentor and connect charities and underrepresented groups with the media industry. 

Caroline Levy is a BAFTA-nominated drama producer and executive producer with extensive experience working across major broadcasters, including BBC, ITV, Sky, Channel 4, and Showtime. With senior roles at Paramount and BBC Studios, Caroline has demonstrated a commitment to championing diversity, mentoring disabled talent, and promoting inclusive storytelling. Her experience of, and dedication to, fostering talent will bring invaluable expertise to Media Trust’s board.

Currently filming a new thriller for Channel 4, Caroline is also the creative lead on a new BFI and Screen agencies funded initiative TRC’s International Horizons: Scripted, an ambitious six-month programme for nine selected independent companies who will meet international broadcasters, distributors and industry experts to boost high–end scripted production in the regions.  

Lisa Rousseau is Head of Prime Video Advertising, Europe at Amazon, and brings extensive experience in digital media, content partnerships, and business strategy to Media Trust. Her significant understanding of the digital media landscape, paired with her commitment to gender equality, diversity and inclusion, aligns closely with Media Trust’s mission.

At Amazon, she led the UK launch of Freevee and now oversees Prime Video’s business strategy and operations in support of its advertising business across Europe. Previously, Lisa spent seven years at Google, launching Google Play Movies & TV in 15 markets and leading YouTube partnerships across EMEA. Lisa has also served as a trustee of Young Women’s Trust for five years. 

Phil Smith is the Director General of ISBA, the voice of British advertisers. Phil’s deep understanding of strategic communications and his passion for brands with purpose will significantly enhance Media Trust’s ability to connect charities with media expertise and amplify underrepresented voices.  

His broad marketing and general management career spans packaged goods, grocery retail, consultancy and marketing technology start-ups.  He spent 10 years at Kraft, latterly as Vice President, Strategy for Western Europe. He has served on the boards of grocery retailers KwikSave, Somerfield and Musgrave and was Commercial & Operations Director for the National Lottery operator, Camelot.

Our full Board of Trustees, as of September 2024: 

• Ian Edwards (Chair), UK Head of Agencies + Global Connection Planning Director, Meta
• Ete Davies (Vice Chair), EVP, Dentsu Creative EMEA
• Mel Exon (Vice-Chair), Creative Industry Board Advisor, Campaigner & Writer
• Kamal Ahmed, Director of Audio, Presenter and Columnist, The Telegraph
• David Black, Senior Director, Google UK
• Ed Couchman, Head of Sales, UK and Northern Europe, Spotify
• Satyen Dayal, Executive Director and Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Edelman London
• Caroline Levy, Producer and Executive Producer
• Tove Okunniwa, Director of Group Partnerships, BBC
• Claudia Osei-Nsafoah, Chief People Officer, UK&I, Sky
• Lisa Russo, Head of Prime Video Advertising, Europe, Amazon
• Phil Smith, Director General, ISBA
• Philip Thomas, Chief Executive, Ascential plc & Chair, Cannes Lions
• Sam Tomlinson, Chief Client Officer, MediaSense