Industry charity NABS has unveiled its first ever Next Gen board, designed to ensure that young talent can help shape the future of our industry’s mental wellness.

The 19-strong board spans advertising, marketing and media. It has been designed to help NABS support the industry through insight, collaboration and project work.  

Over 170 people aged 30 and under applied to join the board, and in return for their time, board members will gain access to senior leaders as well as career-building experience in shaping and delivering projects that strengthen mental wellness across the industry. 

The board aims to bring early career voices into the heart of NABS’ thinking, shaping better support and a stronger future for the industry. Since the pandemic changed the way the industry works, familiarity with the charity in this group has become more fragmented. The board will bring together a diverse set of people, ensuring a wide range of perspectives are brought to the table. 

The board met for the first time on 13th May and will spend the next few months getting to know NABS before embarking on a ‘co-creation’ stage. During this process, the board will work with NABS, board chairs and senior mentors to deliver work that will help to transform the way the charity supports those aged 30 and under. 

Sue Todd, CEO, NABS, explained: “We want to understand more about this cohort and how NABS can be in their corner. People starting out today in our industry are doing so in a very different world to those before them. The Next Gen board will tell us what matters to them, and what support is needed, so that NABS can evolve in a way that’s useful and relevant.”   

The board’s Co-Chairs are Dara Nasr, Managing Director, Commercial Outdoor, Global and Davina Barker, Chief Revenue Officer of Digital Cinema Media. 

Global’s Nasr said: “The Next Gen Board is a superb initiative that allows NABS to help identify and plan for the ever-evolving challenges and opportunities of our amazing industry. The board members are a diverse, talented and inspiring crew of incredible people. They all have the shared goal of helping their peers and the wider industry. It is a huge privilege to be able to work closely with them all.” 

Digital Cinema Media’s Barker added: “I’m really proud to be part of this initiative. Our industry has changed significantly in recent years, and it’s so important that we listen to the experiences, challenges and ambitions of people building their careers today, so we can help shape a healthier future for advertising together. 

Barker continued: “Selecting the board members was genuinely inspiring. We heard from so many talented people across the industry, making the final decision incredibly difficult. Those chosen really stood out for their passion, fresh thinking and commitment to making a difference. I’m excited to see what this group will achieve together.”