Online Dating Association Announces New Chief Executive
The Online Dating Association has just announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive.
Andrew McClelland will take over as Chief Executive following the departure of George Kidd in August.
McClelland has 14 years experience in digital commerce, particularly with IMRG, the UK’s industry body for e-Retail.
He spent over nine years as IMRG’s Chief Operations & Policy Officer, before consulting the organisation over the past three years with his own consulting firm Mirador Digital.
Since 2013, he has led special interest projects for the e-Retail industry in areas like e-crime, legal, e-payments, interactive marketing, search and multi-channel.
The role also requires liaising with the government and other bodies, as well as commenting on the industry across various media such as TV, radio and press.
Speaking about his appointment, Andrew McClelland said “Digital technology is touching everyone’s lives, disrupting traditional business models and even challenging newer consumer services with the pace of change.
“The ODA sits at the heart of this change and I am looking forward to working with the membership to continue its valuable work in providing a voice and guidance to the industry and its users.”
The new appointment comes after the ODA’s first Chief Executive, George Kidd, left his position in August.
The former Cabinet Office Director had been Chief Executive at the ODA since it launched in September 2013.
Kidd moved on from the ODA to become the CEO of the Senet Group, an independent but industry-funded group that seeks to promote responsible gambling.
ODA Chairman Duncan Cunningham said: “I am particularly delighted that Andrew is joining the ODA at such an exciting time for the industry.
“His experience in the online retail world will I am sure enable him to bring a great deal of fresh thinking to the Association and on behalf of the Board I would like to welcome him to the Association.”
After Kidd’s departure, the regulatory body said it planned to make the website a source of information, content and guidance, as well as helping to push member benefits and welcoming more associates.
Read more about the ODA here.
