The Chicago Advertising Federation (CAF) is proud to announce Marla Skiko, US & Global Head of Media, Ford Motor Company, as the 2022 Advertising Woman of the Year. This CAF accolade began in 1958 as a way to recognize women in the Chicago advertising community who contribute greatly to both her company and the industry at large, advance the practice of advertising through her development of concepts and innovations and foster the growth and development of others.

Get to know Marla Skiko:

As US & Global Head of Media for Ford Motor Company, Marla Skiko is responsible for leading the global strategic approach to Marketing through the lens of Media, data and technology for both Ford and Lincoln brands. Skiko spearheads efforts to keep Ford on the leading edge of precision marketing working to connect myriad teams within Ford as well as the roster of Ford agencies around the world. Skiko and her team seek the right media, technology and content partners and solutions to develop relevant and personalized connections with consumers in each of Ford’s key markets. In the US, Skiko leads Ford Media strategy inclusive of digital and traditional media, sponsorships and activations across Ford brand and shopper marketing. To advance Ford’s data driven media and measurement agenda, Skiko’s teams are responsible for on-going test and learn performance marketing across media with focus on key digital platforms (e.g., Search, Social, Automotive 3rd Party, Programmatic).

Skiko brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing, emerging media, content and a deep understanding of the consumer spectrum. She led Starcom Precision, encompassing Programmatic and Social strategy and activation for Starcom US and was the digital lead for Publicis Media’s Multicultural practice where she was EVP, Director of Digital & Data Solutions. She also spent 16 years at SMG Multicultural and Tapestry, where she oversaw the agency’s digital division driving firsts to market experiences for multicultural consumers.

Event registration will open soon, for inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, contact info@chicagoadfed.org.

Past Honorees