Advertising Council Australia augments Board with new roles and appointments

In a demonstration of its continued confidence in a robust future, Advertising Council Australia (ACA) has today announced key changes to the make-up of its Board, boosting the number of directors and for the first time electing two deputy chairs.

Current board members Laura Aldington (CEO Host/Havas) and Michael Rebelo (CEO Publicis Groupe Australia and New Zealand), were elected as the two new deputy chairs at ACA’s Board meeting and AGM on 13 May, while three new directors were also appointed: Justin Graham (CEO M&C Saatchi Group), Steve McArdle (CEO – BMF Advertising) and Kimberlee Wells (CEO TBWA Melbourne and Adelaide).

Says ACA chair Mark Green (CEO and co-founder of The Monkeys): “Along with my fellow Board members, I’m delighted to see Laura and Mike move into the new deputy chair role, and just as pleased to warmly welcome our three new directors, all of whom are enormously respected leaders in our industry.

Says Green: “As the peak body for Australian advertising, ACA today is arguably the strongest and most dynamic it’s ever been, and these important changes at Board level are a product of our confidence in a very prosperous future – both for our organisation and the ad industry as a whole. These changes will also boost ACA in our mission to make advertising the most valued professional services industry in Australia through the major contribution it is making to this country’s overall economic recovery and growth.”

As part of the changes announced today, Rebelo will also chair the ACA’s Accreditation Steering Committee, formed recently to steer the three-year rollout of the organisation’s Accreditation Program.

Says Rebelo: “As an industry we need to come together to make sure we are working towards lifting our professional standards, ensuring we are an attractive business for talent and that reputationally we are seen as one of the most trusted business advisors to our clients. Accreditation isn’t the silver bullet to achieving this, but it will provide a sustainable framework and foundation for all member agencies of the ACA.”

In addition to her new deputy chair role, Aldington also chairs ACA’s RAP Committee which oversaw the development of ACA’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan, the industry’s first RAP which was launched last month.

Says Aldington: “Our RAP launch in April was a proud and exciting moment for our industry. But while it was a great milestone, we have to remember it was really just the first step towards reconciliation, and we have a long road ahead of us to fulfil all the objectives set out in our RAP. I’m thrilled that I can be part of that journey.”

ACA has also announced that Paul Bradbury (CEO TBWA Group) has stepped down from the board after five years as a member.

Says Tony Hale, CEO, ACA: “I know I’m joined by everyone at ACA in thanking Paul for his incredible loyalty and tireless commitment during his tenure on the Board. He’s made a fantastic contribution to this organisation’s strength and we look forward to his ongoing support.”