Advertising Association appoints Bourn as director of communications

Advertising industry body the Advertising Association has appointed Matt Bourn, the former Braben MD, as its new director of communications.

He will lead a newly extended team which includes Hannah Vasdekys as head of content. She joins from Publicis Media.

Bourn takes the reins from Dominic Shales, the former Lexis MD who has acted as interim communications director since outgoing director of communications Ian Barber left to join Dentsu Aegis as global head of corporate communications.

“This is a key time in the AA’s history, as advertising changes ever more quickly and we meet the challenges of Brexit,” said Stephen Woodford, Advertising Association CEO. “Impactful and high profile communications on behalf of our industry is critical and Matt has the experience, network and creativity to ensure we can best meet the challenges ahead.”

Bourn added: “Advertising is going through a period of dynamic change and I’m hugely excited to have the opportunity to be in a team working right at the heart of this change.

“Our advertising sector is a vital part of the UK, both socially and economically, and we must do everything we can to ensure it has the best possible environment to succeed and grow.”