The Ad Council has appointed DJ Perera Chief Media Officer. She succeeds Kathy Kayse, who will be retiring on May 12 after leading the Media team for 5 years.  

Prior to joining the Ad Council, Perera led Boehringer Ingelheim’s U.S. Media Center of Excellence, managing direct-to-consumer and health care sector paid media for the company’s brands. 

Earlier she held several agency roles including vice president account services at Rauxa. 

In her new role, Perera will oversee the Ad Council’s Media team and the department’s four Centers of Excellence: Digital Products, Digital Media and Operations, Media Strategy and Engagement and Emerging Media, Technology and Innovation.  

She is also tasked with evolving the Ad Council’s media model and developing strategic partnerships across the media ecosystem.  

Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of the Ad Council, said Perera’s leadership of the organization’s media operations “will have a meaningful impact on addressing mental health, gun violence and racial justice, along with many other critical social issues facing our country.”