Learning Hub

Chris Woodall leads European Advertising at The Wall Street Journal at a time when the brand is evolving fast — expanding global events, reimagining storytelling and doubling down on audience-first journalism. In our conversation, he reflects on what’s driving that momentum, why collaboration across the industry matters more than ever, and the simple belief he brings to his work: dare to do things differently. From immersive brand experiences to “headcuts” and Homer, this is a Q&A with range.

Any recent achievements, innovations or developments you’d like to shout about? 

We’ve got more subscribers than we’ve ever had in our 136 year history.  We’ve taken bold strides in expanding how we connect with our audiences and partners through fresh channels and experiences. Our events portfolio continues to grow globally, with standout launches including WSJ Invest Live and Tech Live Qatar, alongside peer-to-peer learning and leadership experiences through the WSJ Leadership Institute.

Our brand partnerships have achieved unprecedented awards recognition, driven by the exceptional creativity of The Trust, our custom content studio. Together, we’re redefining what impactful storytelling looks like – delivering immersive brand experiences that inspire decision-makers and drive real action.

At the core of it all is our transformation into a truly audience-first newsroom, focused on journalism that is exclusive, timely, expert and relatable.

The results speak for themselves: record-breaking conversions, sustained growth and deeper audience engagement. For our partners, it’s where trusted content meets powerful influence.

How does your company align with the values of the IAA? 

I will quote our Editor in Chief, Emma Tucker, on that:

“We live in a fractured news environment where adherence to truth and objectivity is fragile. I want our readers to rely on us to provide fair, balanced, well-written, factually correct journalism.”

It strikes me that IAA exits with that reliability ethos too and it’s a significant consideration factor for us when we’re evaluating our industry partnerships.

Are there specific areas your company is looking to collaborate on within our community? 

Helping the three main links of the chain (client-agency-media owner) to understand each other better. The demands they face, the stakeholders they have to convince and the desire to shine. By meeting as many of these people as possible and discussing these challenges, we can create a more harmonious community.

Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives that members might find interesting or beneficial? 

The WSJ Leadership Institute continues to grow, offering exclusive peer-to-peer learning and networking experiences through Global Leadership Councils for Board Members, CEOs, CMOs, CFOs, and CTOs/CIOs. These Councils provide a rare space to connect with peers, share insights, and tackle today’s most pressing challenges. I welcome members of IAA UK community to get in touch with me to find out more as it’s an incredibly powerful experience to be part of.

We’re also pushing the boundaries of advertising innovation, delivering new ways for brands to engage our audience. From immersive audio and video experiences to newsroom-led events, custom content, newsletters, special features, and social activations, every initiative is designed to capture attention, drive engagement, and create meaningful impact.

How can members of our community best engage or interact with your company? 

I have three suggestions:

1. Come for a newsroom tour, or if you want a real insight into how a newspaper is made, come and see the printworks! 

2. Listen to ‘The Journal’ podcast. It’s a weekday show covering the most important stories about money, business and power.

3. Get an AI generated stipple portrait done of themselves! We call them “headcuts”. We started using this style in 1979 and it’s been part of our brand identity since then. They are made using thousands of dots and dashes (stipple) and we use them for our columnists, reporters, editors or anyone central to a story. And now subscribers can have their own one made using our special AI feature.

The book I keep on my bedside table is….. 

I mostly read fiction and am trying to get through a lot of classics, both modern and ancient. 

If I wanted to impress you I’d say Homer, if you wanted me to discuss it in detail I’d say Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’. 

I don’t really read business or self-help books. Perhaps I’d be richer or happier if I did.

The book I keep on my desk is…. 

Whoops, I said I didn’t read business books.  I did read ‘Nexus’ by Yuval Noah Harari, because he spoke at WSJ’s CEO Council London event this year and was fascinating. It’s a book about communication but also about how AI is the first technology we’ve invented that can decide what it wants to do for itself.

Quote I live by….

“Audere est Facere,” which translates from Latin to “To dare is to do” and is also the motto of the world’s greatest football team.

Best piece of career advice I can offer is…. 

If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’ve got. Change your role (within the same company if you are happy). 

Also don’t be scared of senior or famous people, they are often fun and can help you.

Favourite campaign?

Sony Bravia: Bouncy Balls (here)

The music, the colours, the ambition of the team who made the ad.

About Meet Our Member Initiative: 

By shining a spotlight on our member companies and their leaders, we aim to strengthen connections within our network and beyond, fostering a more collaborative and informed industry.

Want to be part of Meet Our Member Initiative? Contact us today to get featured 

Want to know more about joining IAA UK member community? Let’s chat