Hilary Souter CNZM

Hilary Souter CNZM, is Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and an expert in advertising regulation with over 25 years’ experience. She oversees advertising standards in New Zealand, provides industry training, and supports independent complaints processes.

Hilary champions self-regulation and collaborates with industry, consumer groups, and government. She also serves as President of the International Council for Advertising Self-Regulation and sits on the Oversight Committee for the Aotearoa Code of Online Safety and Harm.

Hilary has been a guest lecturer at VUW over several years and welcomed the opportunity to support the School of Marketing and International Business as a member of the advisory group.

In June 2026, Hilary was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in recognition of her services to the advertising industry.