AA Picks Havelock For Vice Chairman Role

The Advertising Association (AA) Council has announced the appointment of Kevin Havelock as one of its two vice chairmen.

The trade body chief will begin his new role with immediate effect, replacing Keith Weed, who stands down after six years service.

Havelock’s career began at Guinness, although the last 20 years have seen him work for Unilever, starting at Brooke Bond in 1985. He has also worked abroad – in Germany, where he was appointed chairman of Unilever Foods France in 1997, and at Unilever Arabia, he was appointed as chairman in 2000, responsible for the company’s business in eight countries across the Middle East.

A return to the UK in 2004 saw Havelock take up the role of managing director at Unilever UK Foods. Commenting on his new role, Havelock said: “I am delighted to be joining the AA and look forward to helping the Association to steer the advertising business through the current high profile issues facing the industry.”

David Kershaw, chairman of the AA added: “There could not be a more relevant successor to Keith. Kevin has tremendous knowledge of both the UK and European advertising environments and his sector experience is extremely timely.

Andrew Brown, director general of the AA also welcomed the appointment, stating: “I am delighted Kevin has agreed to take on this role. He brings great experience as an advertiser and his knowledge of the food business will be invaluable in the important debate about food advertising and public health, particularly in relation to obesity.”

Advertising Association: 020 7828 2771 www.adassoc.org.uk