NEW YORK — The American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) has hired IBM’s Ann Rubin to lead marketing, communications and events.

In the executive VP role, Rubin will be responsible for building out a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy for the organization, as well as elevating its events and offerings. 4A’s has more than 600 member agencies.

Rubin joins on the heels of more than two decades at IBM, where she most recently served as VP of corporate marketing, as which she led the company’s global brand marketing programs. She helped drive IBM’s Smarter Planet campaign and its flagship event, Think.

Tamiko Evans, who previously handled communications, left 4A’s in October.

“We are thrilled to have Ann join the 4A’s team and evolve our marketing approach. Ann is a seasoned marketer with a track record of driving innovation on a global scale. Her extensive client experience coupled with time on the agency side, makes Ann the right leader for this role,” said CEO and President Marla Kaplowitz.

Said Rubin, “I am so excited to join an organization full of people who are as passionate as I am about continually evolving our industry, focusing on key issues such as DEIB and talent, and ensuring our member agencies have what they need to succeed."