ABC appoints non-executive chairman

ABC has appointed Sally Cartwright OBE, director at large of Hello! magazine, as its next non-executive chairman, replacing  John Mayhead.

Following formal ratification by the ABC Council, Cartwright will join the organisation in February 2010.

Cartwright’s previous positions include managing director of Harmsworth Magazines and publisher of a number of IPC titles, including Ideal Home and Homes & Gardens.

She has also has held a number of chairmanships, including chairman of the Joint Industry Group, the self regulatory body which includes the Newspaper Publishers Association and the Periodical Publishers Association (PPA). In 2007, she was invited to join the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) as a Council member representing all print media. She was also chair of the PPA from 1999 – 2000, becoming the first woman to hold the post.

Jerry Wright, ABC chief executive, said: “Sally’s unrivalled understanding of the publishing sector, combined with her broad experience as chairman for various industry groups, quickly convinced the selection panel of her suitability for this vital role.

“As the independent, industry owned print and digital auditor, with Council members from trade associations representing publishers, agencies and advertisers, ABC is delighted to appoint someone with Sally’s breadth of knowledge and understanding of all these areas. We very much look forward to her joining us in the New Year.”