CAANZ Elects New President and Vice Presidents

CAANZ Elects New President and Vice Presidents

Andrew Stone (CEO, Saatchi & Saatchi) has been elected the new President of the Communication Agencies Association of New Zealand (CAANZ).

Martin O’Halloran (CEO, DDB) and David Walden (CEO, Whybin TBWA) were also elected as the new Vice Presidents.

Speaking at the CAANZ AGM this week, newly elected President Andrew Stone, said CAANZ will focus on a number of significant challenges in the coming year.

“The spotlight will fall on the protection of our right to promote advertisers products – especially in the food and pharmaceutical areas. And as an industry body we will be working hard to deliver increased services to our members in the areas of education and training and the provision of information and tools that will give them a commercial edge,” said Mr Stone.

CAANZ is a non-profit organisation that represents the interests of more than 50 New Zealand marketing communication agencies.

Andrew Stone replaces Martin O’Halloran as President, who stepped down after four years in the role.

“In that time the industry has experienced one of its most prosperous periods, but its also seen agency profit margins squeezed and considerable pressure to restrict the right to advertise some products. Thankfully we’ve weathered that regulatory pressure so far, but it’s important we continue to advocate strongly in favour of advertising freedoms,” said Mr O’Halloran.

“There has also been a realisation that a more collaborative framework is needed for the various industry bodies representing marketing and communications. I hope to see greater co-operation and resource sharing among the various bodies in the near future,” he said.

Mr Stone paid tribute to the out-going President saying that Marty had done a fantastic job over the past 4 years in setting a clear strategic direction for CAANZ and in developing closer working relationships with other industry bodies.

“CAANZ will continue to have a constructive and high profile role serving its members. I'm very much looking forward to working with Mark Champion and the team at CAANZ and also with the many members who contribute their time generously and willingly for the good of the industry,” said Mr. Stone.

ENDS

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