After serving 13 years as president and chief executive officer of the Association of Canadian Advertisers, John Foss has announced his intention to retire.

Lowell Lunden, chairman of the aca’s board, says Foss has been a credit to the aca during his tenure.

‘I would say the board of directors in place now is the strongest group ever, and I think that is to his credit,’ Lunden says.

Lunden, who notes Foss has agreed to stay on until the search for a successor has been completed, says the aca board is drafting a job description for the position.

Lunden says it is too early to tell how much interest the post will attract, but he does not expect there will be a shortage of contenders.

He says the marketing industry is going through a rough period, so the aca, as the industry association, will require strong leadership to be effective.

‘Times are tough, and when times are tough, industry associations have to look after their members,’ Lunden says.

Lunden says he does not intend to throw his hat into the ring for the job.

Foss’ relationship with the aca goes back to 1956, when his then employer, Canadian Canners, became an aca member and he was designated the voting member.

Before joining the aca, Foss was director of advertising for Canadian Canners-Aylmer/Delmonte Brands.

Foss made his retirement decision known May 20.