Plummer, currently McCann Erickson executive vice-president and director of research and insight development, will join the ARF on July 11.
He will be a member of the executive committee to evaluate serious advertising and marketing issues, which can be impacted by intelligent and creative research.
Bob Barocci, president and chief executive of ARF, said: "Joe's decision to dedicate himself full time to the ARF's agenda of mission-critical issues will benefit every organisation that uses advertising and marketing to meet their business goals."
Prior to joining McCanns in 1997, Plummer was vice-chairman and worldwide planning director at DMB&B, which has since been merged with Leo Burnett.
Previous roles include vice-chairman and board director of research agency ASW and managing director of marketing-driven investment bank Paine Webber/Young & Rubicam Ventures.
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