- Adweek Staff

NEW YORK The Mobile Marketing Association has appointed Mike Wehrs president and CEO.

In his previous role as vp, industry affairs and evangelism at Nuance Communications, Wehrs was responsible for the company's overall mobile business and product strategy, industry and public policy and served as a key member of the mergers and acquisitions team. His experience includes board and executive committee posts for groups such as CTIA - The Wireless Association; Open Mobile Alliance; Bluetooth Special Interest Group; and the dotMobi Advisory Group.

At the MMA, Wehrs will focus on delivering benefits to members, establishing guidelines and best practices for future growth and driving mobile adoption worldwide.

"We found Mike to be the best person to lead the association's activities going forward," said Russell Buckley, MMA global chairman and vp, global alliances at AdMob, in a statement. "Mike is a proven leader with extensive international executive experience and an established track record within the global mobile industry."

Added Wehrs: "I look forward to working together with MMA member companies, MMA Board of Directors and other industry leaders to ensure a vibrant and healthy mobile marketing ecosystem for all."

Wehrs' resume also includes senior posts at Tegic Communications (a unit of AOL) and Mircosoft.

He takes over as MMA president from Laura Marriott, who is no longer with the organization. Wehrs' CEO title is new for the group.

The MMA has more than 700 member companies representing 40-plus countries.

(Related: "Mobile Advertising: Maybe Next Year...")