John Boniface will ring in the New Year for the National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS).

He begins his two-year term as chair of the board of directors on Jan. 1, taking over as leader from the organization’s current chair, Brent Lowe-Bernie, president of comScore Canada.

“I am delighted that such an experienced and enthusiastic individual has stepped up to lead the board. John will bring great vision and a broadened skill set to the organization, as we continue our quest to effectively meet the industry’s support needs,” said Lowe-Bernie in a release, adding that he will continue to work alongside Boniface as past chair.

The incoming chair spent the past seven years as chief operating officer at Draftfcb Canada. He’s previously held executive roles at national ad agencies, such as Vickers and Benson Advertising (where he worked in senior account management positions for seven years in the ’90s), Padulo Integrated (leading the ad agency as president for two years) and Foote, Cone & Belding (where he was appointed managing director, and a few years later, president).

“I am excited by this and honoured to take on the challenge,” added Boniface. “The board and staff teams, under Brent’s leadership, have redirected the organization successfully, and we are preparing ambitious plans to meet evolving needs across Canada.”

Picture from left to right: John Boniface, Jim Warrington (NABS executive director), Brent Lowe-Bernie