IPA's David Clasen elected as Co-director of Finance

Outvertising continues to expand their board structure with a new Co-director of Finance position.

As Finance Director at The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising, David Clasen joins Gerard Cabral from Great Whale Consulting LTD as Co-director of Finance on the Outvertising Board.

Previously, the Treasurer role was a single person position, but with a review in late 2020, the Outvertising board agreed to expand the position to reflect the growth in the organisation and update the title.

David shared his thoughts on what he hopes to bring to Outvertising in the future.

I believe passionately in the power of positive representation - to usualise difference and to support those who feel marginalised. I have learnt a lot about advertising since getting involved with Outvertising and, at a personal level, have enjoyed the warm and generous reception. I am very happy to have this opportunity to provide practical help to Outvertising’s important mission.
David Clasen (He/Him)

David Clasen (He/Him)

Current Co-director of Finance Gerard Carbal commented to say:

Gerard Cabral (He/Him)

Gerard Cabral (He/Him)

I am absolutely delighted to welcome David to the Outvertising board as Co-director of Finance – he will bring experience that we really need. He will also bring with him an amazing wealth of diverse knowledge and thinking and is prepared to get involved in all manner of things. I’m really looking forward to working with him.

With a year of opportunities and challenges ahead, the Outvertising Board welcomes David with high-hopes and open arms.


Do you have any questions? Please contact us via our enquiry form.

Keep up-to-date with news about Outvertising on our social media channels Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Alternatively, you can sign up to our newsletter!

Farewell and thank you to Outvertising podcast founder, Joanne Oatts

Joanne Oatts (She/Her)

Joanne Oatts (She/Her)

Joanne Oatts, host of The Outvertising Podcast, is stepping down from her role as presenter and Head of Podcasting. 

Since creating the podcast in September 2019, with help from Outvertising chair Mark Runacus, Joanne has interviewed and hosted over 40 inspiring guests and put out over 20 episodes, sharing discussions, panels and interviews with LGBTQ+ people and allies working in and around the advertising and marketing industry. 

Speaking about her decision, Joanne said:

I’m so proud of what we’ve created in The Outvertising Podcast and the stories we’ve been able to share. It’s vital that all LGBTQ+ voices in our industry are given a platform to be heard. Myself, and the Podcast and Communications Teams, have put a lot of work into making that happen. But the pandemic has forced many of us to shift, pivot and reassess our work/life balance in some way - myself included. So it seems like a good time to hang up the headphones and hand over the mic to some new voices. That said, I doubt I’ll be far from any Outvertising events or socials in the future!

There’s never a good time to say goodbye, but I’m confident I’m leaving The Outvertising Podcast in the hands of a great team. Some exciting episodes have already been planned for the coming months, with new voices and new formats being showcased. I’ll definitely be listening in, and so should you!

In addition to the podcast, Joanne is a freelance creative director, one half of creative and scriptwriting team OattsWinter (with Mark Winter) and editor of creativity platform, FasterIdeas.com

Jonathan Palmer, Outvertising co-director of Training and Development, will be taking over as interim host of the podcast.

Joanne will be greatly missed by everyone at Outvertising and she is wished the best.

If you would be interested in hosting our podcast, please get in contact.


Do you have any questions? Please contact us via our enquiry form.

Keep up-to-date with news about Outvertising on our social media channels Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Alternatively, you can sign up to our newsletter!

Clear Channel's Lucy McKillop elected as Joint Chief Executive Officer at Outvertising

Outvertising diversifies their leadership structure with a new Joint Chief Executive Officer position.

Elected and ratified by the Outvertising board in January 2021, Clear Channel’s Lucy McKillop, joins existing Chief Executive Officer, Mark Runacus MBE from Wax/On. Both will be equally sharing the Chief Executive Officer position and responsibilities.

As Head of Brand Marketing at Clear Channel and previously as Co-director of Communications at Outvertising, Lucy's election represents a strong and robust entrance into 2021 as Joint Chief Executive Officer.

Lucy had the following to say while discussing her ambitions for Outvertising in 2021 and beyond.

Lucy McKillop (She/Her)

Lucy McKillop (She/Her)

When I found Outvertising a couple of years ago, I felt like I’d found my people. It’s a real honour to have been elected the organisation’s joint-chief exec; I’m proud to represent the bi community and women by taking up this post.

I’ve got lots of hopes for what co-leading the organisation alongside Mark Runacus MBE will achieve, but in reality, it boils down to two things. One, opening up Outvertising to even more people, thereby helping as many LGBTQ+ people as possible in our industry. And two, I hope that we continue the amazing work we’ve already been doing to amplify as many voices as we can; delivering valuable, useful content, advice and support for the LGBTQ+ community in the ad industry while showing the importance of representing us in the creative work our industry makes.

Current chair Mark Runacus has welcomed Lucy into the fold stating:

Mark Runacus MBE (He/Him)

Mark Runacus MBE (He/Him)

As our organisation continues to grow rapidly, and we need to continually review how we work. It was quickly identified that an additional CEO would be instrumental, and Lucy fits the bill brilliantly.

With plenty of challenges and opportunities on the horizon, the Outvertising board and network are excited to see what Mark and Lucy will achieve together.


Do you have any questions? Please contact us via our enquiry form.

Keep up-to-date with news about Outvertising on our social media channels Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Alternatively, you can sign up to our newsletter!