For the first time in its 100+ year history, WACL (Women in Advertising and Communications Leadership) has formally committed to Scotland via a new Nations and Regions initiative, with Scotland represented at the highest level through a Scotland co-chair seat on the WACL Executive. This marks a landmark expansion of its mission to accelerate gender equality in the advertising and communications industry – formally committing to Scotland and the North of England for the first time in its history.
The move follows WACL’s first-ever event outside London in Edinburgh in 2019, which attracted over 350 women, and a series of subsequent events in the Scottish capital, Manchester and Liverpool. This next step cements WACL’s intention to build on its century-long influence in England and extend its reach and impact across the UK.
While London is often seen as the hub of the UK’s marketing and creative industries, the majority of the industry’s talent actually works outside the capital. Across Scotland, tens of thousands of people are employed in agencies, production companies, and in-house marketing roles – driving regional economies and shaping the UK’s global creative reputation. This expansion recognises and celebrates the scale, diversity, and influence of those working in the sector beyond London, and ensures WACL’s support reaches them directly.
The newly formed Nations and Regions initiative will be co-chaired by WACL members Juliet Simpson (CEO and Founder, Stripe Communications) for Scotland, and Dawn Paine (CEO and Co-Founder, Aurora) for the North. Both will sit on the WACL Executive, ensuring the voices and perspectives of women leaders from across the UK are represented at the highest level.
Claire Sadler, WACL President, said:
“For more than 100 years, WACL has been a driving force for change, inspiring women leaders and campaigning for gender equality. Our work in London and the South has shown what’s possible when we support and connect women at every stage of their careers. Now, by committing to the North of England and Scotland, we can build on that success – extending our network, sharing our resources, and amplifying the leadership voices of women across the UK. This is about moving forward together, and ensuring no region is left behind in the push for 50% of CEOs to be women.”
Juliet Simpson, Co-Chair Nations and Regions (Scotland), said:
“Scotland’s creative industries are thriving, but there’s still work to do to ensure women are equally represented at the very top. Seven years ago WACL stepped out of London for the first time in their 100 year history and came to Scotland. The feedback demonstrated the very real need for support and inspiration for women in Scotland. With support from WACL and our amazing committee on the ground Scotland’s female leaders can benefit from the same powerful networks, mentoring, and campaigning that have already driven change in London and the South. This is about levelling the playing field and making sure geography is never a barrier to leadership.”
The Nations and Regions teams will deliver a programme of inspiring events, mentoring opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations – all designed to connect and empower women leaders regionally. They will also provide direct support for WACL’s critical campaign and initiatives.
WACL is also announcing today its renowned Festival of Talent Event will be coming to Edinburgh on 13th May, 2026, providing a full day female leadership event of inspiration, advice and support.
Scotland Committee
- Ali Findlay – Owner & Managing Director, Lane
- Anna Vaughan – Director, Marketing & Communications, The Scottish National Investment Bank
- Elise MacDonald – Managing Director, Lux Events
- Frances Irvine – Managing Director, Bright Signals
- Gill Jarvie – Director of Client Services, Republic of Media Ltd
- Jenny Emslie – CEO and Founder, Sunshine
- Juliet Simpson – CEO, Stripe Communications
- Karla Castro Pollan – Fractional Business Director, EmpowerWell
- Laura Brady – Director of Marketing & Fundraising, World Wide Cancer Research
- Leigh Dobson – Client Partner, The Leith Agency
- Louise Killough – Executive Director, The Union
- Morna McLelland – Managing Director UK, Stripe Communications
- Pauline Aylesbury – Deputy Director Marketing, Insight, Brand Scotland & Internal Communications, The Scottish Government
- Sarah Ellis – Operations Manager, Stripe Communications
- Susanna Freedman – Co-Founder and Consultant, Brand Insiders
- Vicky Hope – Co-Founder, LOOP Agencies
