Check My Ads, the digital advertising watchdog building a safer and more sustainable future for democracy, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Arielle Garcia as the Director of Intelligence. A leading figure in privacy, data ethics, and responsible media, and former senior advertising agency executive, Garcia brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role at Check My Ads.
In her previous role as Chief Privacy and Responsibility Officer at global media agency, UM Worldwide, Garcia launched the firm’s privacy and responsibility practice, becoming a prominent voice advocating for transparency, trust, and fairness in the digital advertising industry. She founded her own consultancy, ASG Solutions, empowering companies to achieve sustainable growth through responsible marketing. Garcia has advised over 100 marketers globally, driving the development and adoption of safe and effective media and data strategies for the benefit of brands and their customers.
“Appointing an industry veteran, with a keen understanding of the digital advertising ecosystem is part of Check My Ads’ strategy to disrupt the dynamics that make harm profitable. We are thrilled to have Arielle on board,” said Claire Atkin, CEO of Check My Ads.
As Director of Intelligence, Garcia will lead the organization’s strategic intelligence agenda, spearheading research, campaigns, and programs that amplify and accelerate the Check My Ads mission, and advance industry transparency, accountability, and reform.
“The ad tech industry currently buys and sells our personal information in near-total secrecy. Arielle’s vision and expertise makes her a powerful ally in our fight to uncover the abuses of the surveillance advertising industry,” said Nandini Jammi, Chief Strategy Officer.
Garcia’s significant achievements and contributions to the industry have been widely recognized. In 2021, she was inducted into the AAF Advertising Hall of Achievement, which acknowledges individuals who have made a significant impact in the industry through their work and philanthropic endeavors. She has also been honored as one of Crain’s New York Business “20 in their 20s,” a Cynopsis “Top Woman in Media” in 2021, and a “Top Woman in Media & Ad Tech” by AdExchanger in 2023. Garcia holds a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law, further strengthening her expertise in navigating the complexities of the digital landscape.
Commenting on her new role, Arielle Garcia said, “Check My Ads effectively wrote the definitive playbook on how to harness the power of sunlight to root out dysfunctional incentive structures in the digital advertising industry. Their commitment to advancing industry transparency and accountability, their independence from the influence of dominant industry players, and their unrivaled ability to create systemic change makes Check My Ads both unique and unstoppable. I am beyond excited to join, and work alongside a team of incredibly talented leaders in advancing our collective mission to drive change in the digital ad industry for the benefit of consumers, brands, society, and democracy.”
About Check My Ads:
Check My Ads is the digital advertising watchdog, devoted to building a safer and more permanent future for democracy. The digital ad industry has eroded our fundamental right to make independent and informed choices for ourselves. With control over a dangerous mix of personal data and a staggering $600 billion worth of ads from brands, the industry has the ability to influence our preferences and activities. Bad actors are given unrestricted access to manipulate and spread falsehoods, causing societal divisions and unrest. Check My Ads works closely with consumers, brands, and regulators to defend our freedoms from the industry’s most shameful and irresponsible practices.