ABC restructures with board replacing council

ABC is implementing a new governance structure, with a new streamlined board of 16 industry representatives replacing the old council and welcoming in the digital media sector.

The new system comes after formal ratification by the council at ABC’s annual general meeting in December.

The board, which reduces the number of industry representatives from 32 to 16, will oversee the effective running of ABC and ABCe and will meet five times a year, supported by finance and remuneration sub committees.

As part of the new governance structure, the reporting standards groups will have more autonomy, including the ability to ratify rule changes providing a unanimous decision has been reached by members of the group (unless a specific objection is lodged by a Board member), said ABC.

The move means that 25% of the ABC board will specifically represent the digital media industry, including nominees from JICWEBS; the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) and the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers (ISBA). The previous election system for council representatives is now replaced with nominations from trade associations.

Jerry Wright, ABC chief executive, said: “The new governance structure has been introduced to reflect and support the changing needs of the media industry, the growth of digital media and to set a clear direction for ABC into the future.

“Greater autonomy for the reporting standards groups and a separate Irish Council will allow ABC to operate more effectively in the interests of its members.”