We have appointed Craig Jones as our new Director of Communications. He succeeds Lynsay Taffe who has joined the Commonwealth Development Corporation.

Craig has a wealth of experience in communications and public affairs. He joins the ASA from the UK Cards Association, which represents the credit and debit card businesses of major banks, where he was Head of Communications. Craig has also led communications at the Legal Services Board and was speech-writer and adviser to Harriet Harman MP within the Government Equalities Office, where he developed the launch strategy for the Equality Act. In 2005, Craig was called to the Bar of England and Wales.

As part of senior management, Craig will oversee a communications, marketing and public affairs team of seven responsible for promoting advertising self-regulation. He takes up his new role on 3 June.

I’m delighted to join the ASA. Advertising self-regulation plays an important role in society and the organisation’s five year strategy provides some real scope for doing things differently and having even more impact.

Craig Jones, Director of Communications

Of his appointment, Craig said: “I’m delighted to join the ASA. Advertising self-regulation plays an important role in society and the organisation’s five year strategy provides some real scope for doing things differently and having even more impact. A key focus of my work will be on the awareness strand of the ASA’s strategy; making sure that the public, civil society and the industry know who we are and what we can do as part of the ASA’s ambition of making every UK ad a responsible ad.”

ASA Chief Executive, Guy Parker said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Craig to the ASA as part of the senior management team. His strong background in the public affairs arena will stand him in good stead when it comes to handling the competing arguments and societal debates that advertising often prompts. And he joins us at crucial juncture, his expertise will be invaluable in communicating effectively how we’re having more impact and being more proactive."

Craig’s appointment also coincides with an expansion of the ASA senior management team. Head of Operations (Complaints and Investigations), Jo Poots, and Head of Casework, Jane Eldridge, have joined the team and will play a full role in ASA leadership discussions and decisions.

Guy Parker said: “I’m also delighted to welcome Jo and Jane to the senior management team. I’ve no doubt their expertise, knowledge and leadership will play a crucial part in helping us to make better decisions.”

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