The Marketing Society is delighted to confirm the appointment Jeff Dodds, Formula E chief executive as its new Chair, effective from 4 August 2026.
Jeff who succeeds outgoing Chair Craig Inglis, brings a rare vantage point to the role, having led as both a senior marketer and a chief executive across organisations including Honda, Virgin Media and now Formula E. He previously served as Chair of The Valuable 500 disability charity and as a UK Government non-executive director, alongside a strong personal commitment to strengthening how the marketing profession is understood and valued in the boardroom.
There are very few people who have led global marketing organisations and gone on to become Chief Executives. Jeff is one of them. That perspective matters because he understands first-hand the role marketing can and should play in driving business success. He talks about three things he looks for in any team: energy, optimism and accountability. Jeff talks about marketing as "a catalyst for driving responsible business growth, not there to sit on the periphery of that", a belief he has arrived at through decades of leading both marketing organisations and businesses.
"The Marketing Society is unique. It combines the influence of an industry leader with the purpose of a not-for-profit, championing marketers to think bigger about the value they create. That's a mission I believe in deeply, having seen first-hand the impact marketing and creativity can have on business growth from both sides of the boardroom table. I'm looking forward to working with Sophie, the Board and the wider membership to help write the next chapter of the Society's success."
Jeff Dodds Chair The Marketing Society
Craig, who is stepping down after eight years, will continue to support the Society as Chair Emeritus from 1 August 2026. During his tenure he led the Board through a period of significant growth and renewed confidence for the Society, delivering record revenue and surplus and five consecutive years of profit growth. He has strengthened its standing in its home market of England while building momentum across Scotland, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
"On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Craig for eight outstanding years as Chair. We're delighted he continues with us as Chair Emeritus. Jeff is exactly the right leader for our next chapter - he has led as both a marketer and a chief executive, and he understands what this Society and our members stand for. I could not be more excited to work with him."
Sophie Devonshire The Marketing Society
"It has been a privilege to chair this Society for the past eight years and to work alongside Sophie and such a talented Board. I am proud of what we have built together, and I am pleased to remain involved in an advisory capacity. Jeff is the right person to take this forward. He sees the profession clearly and will bring huge experience and energy to the role." Craig Inglis, outgoing Chair, The Marketing Society
The Marketing Society has appointed Jeff with the help of a specialist leadership advisory firm for the first time. The appointment follows a search led by Fortune Hill, engaged by The Marketing Society to identify, assess and appoint its next Chair.
Jeff has long argued that marketing deserves a stronger voice in the boardroom. We couldn't agree more. At The Marketing Society, we've always believed that great marketing drives great business and that marketers belong at the centre of growth, not the edge of it.