NewsBrands CEO Ann Marie Lenihan appointed to ASAI board

The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI), the independent self-regulatory body committed to promoting the highest standards of marketing communications in Ireland, has appointed Ann Marie Lenihan, CEO of NewsBrands Ireland, to their Board.

Ann Marie will join the ASAI Board with immediate effect and will fulfil her duties in conjunction with her existing role with NewsBrands Ireland. The Board of the ASAI consists of 15 members – the Chairman and four advertiser members, four agency members and six media members. The Board is responsible for managing the business of the ASAI and for drawing up and implementing the ASAI’s Code and reviewing and amending it from time to time.

Ann Marie has extensive experience in the Irish media sector.  In her current position as CEO of NewsBrands Ireland, Ann Marie is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organisation, managing industry co-operation as well as communicating the news industry’s value proposition to national and European policy makers, readers and advertisers. Her international experience includes senior public relations and marketing roles in the UK and South Africa.  She is a member of the board of News Media Europe and holds a degree in psychology from UCD.

Five members were also re-elected to the board of the ASAI which include Colin Leahy, Exterion Media (Media Member), Johnny O’Hanlon, Local Ireland (Media Member), Kate O’Leary, Mindshare, (Agency Member) and Ken Kerr, BBDO Ireland, (Agency Member). Charley Stoney, CEO of IAPI, who joined the Board in 2018 was also re-elected at the AGM as an Agency Member.

Welcoming the new appointments, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the ASAI, said: “The ASAI benefits greatly from the combined knowledge and experience of all Board members across a number of key areas relevant to the work we do. The ASAI Board plays a crucial role in steering the direction of the organisation as well as drafting and implementing Code updates and amendments.”

“Ann-Marie’s proven experience across the Irish media landscape will greatly enhance our mission in promoting the highest standards of marketing communications. Her appointment also demonstrates the high calibre of individual talent contributing to the ASAI’s Board . “