The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) has boosted capability in policy, marketing and member services after increasing membership in the last year.
AANA CEO Sunita Gloster said it has gained more than 20 new members in the course of the last year as a result of a “strategic plan” aimed at strengthening its core purpose in defending advertising’s system of self-regulation.
“Advertisers respect the role we play on their behalf and their commitment to self-regulation is reflected in their membership,” a spokesperson said. “Our renewed plan also saw us prioritise the elevation of the profession of marketing and enabling our members to be better marketers, that, too, has reinforced the strong support.”
As a result, the AANA has made three key hires as it looks to strengthen its leadership team.
Simone Brandon has been appointed as its new director of policy and regulatory affairs, joining the team at the close of last year. She joins from a role as deputy general counsel for Vodafone Hutchinson Australia.
Lucy McKee has been appointed as general manager, marketing, joining from a role as senior marketing manager at Telstra corporate marketing which she held for the past five years. She joins on 2 March with the current GM marketing, Rachelle Gibson, departing in mid-March.
Katrina Harrison has been hired as member relationship manager, starting in last month. She was at the magazine Publishers of Australia as marketing and communications manager.
Gloster said: “Our year of action has enabled us to build our support and service to AANA members and I am delighted to welcome Simone, Lucy and Katrina to the team.
“As the peak national body championing the interests of Australia’s brand owners, we remain focussed on ensuring that the self-regulatory system for marketing activity continues to meet community and government expectations and that our charter to inspire and promote responsible, innovative and respected marketing is also delivered upon.”
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