Andy Barnes Appointed New Thinkbox Chairman

TV marketing body Thinkbox has appointed Andy Barnes, sales director of Channel 4, as its new chairman following the departure of previous chairman and former director of customer relationship marketing at ITV, Justin Sampson.

Barnes takes the reigns at Thinkbox with immediate effect, acting as the group’s lead ambassador to represent all eight member TV companies, Channel 4, five, GMTV, Turner Broadcasting, ITV, Sky, ids and Viacom.

Following the departure of Justin Sampson from ITV last week, Gary Digby, the broadcaster’s sales managing director, will represent the company on the Thinkbox Board (see ITV Reshuffles Commercial Team As Sampson Departs).

The new role will see Barnes spearhead several high profile Thinkbox projects for 2006, including the search for a chief executive and “a major research initiative”.

Last year saw the marketing body set out its roadmap for the coming months, with plans for a dedicated Thinkbox TV lab facility, a programme of exclusive preview screenings, further Thinkbox Experience exhibitions and the appointment of permanent staff to propel the body throughout the next year (see Thinkbox Sets Out Activity Roadmap For 2006).

Commenting on his appointment, Barnes said: “Thinkbox is at an important stage in its development. I wish to ensure that it continues to achieve the goals laid down at the outset. All of these aim to convey the power of TV and bring to life the many marketing possibilities the medium has to offer.”

The new chairman will continue to operate as Channel 4’s sales director in addition to his role with Thinkbox.

Thinkbox: www.thinkbox.tv