The AANA appoints Sunita Gloster as new CEO + launches new look annual event AANA Connect

AANA has today signalled significant change and a reinvigorated organisation with the launch of its new look annual event, AANA Connect, a new strategic plan and the appointment of Sunita Gloster as chief executive officer.

In its 85th year, AANA not only celebrates its strong history but is looking to the future with a renewed strategic purpose, delivery of tangible and relevant member benefits and a dynamic leadership team.

Today, Inese Kingsmill, chair of the AANA welcomed marketers to AANA Connect with the announcement of the appointment of Gloster as the new CEO of the AANA.

Says Kingsmill: “This is an action year for the AANA, we are keen to freshen things up and provide clear and tangible member benefits. We are committed to inspiring and equipping marketers to build strong brands and businesses in an environment of rapid change. We want to promote and elevate innovative, responsible and respected marketing and the value it delivers in a business context.

“Given this brief, we are delighted Sunita is stepping in to the CEO role as she brings a unique set of skills which will help to grow the AANA into a new era.”

Says Gloster: “It is an enormous privilege to join the AANA. AANA holds a pivotal role as the industry advocate in promoting responsible self-regulation and commercial freedom of expression.

“I am committed to ensuring that the AANA sits at the heart of every issue by providing an evolving, collaborative and effective resource to all our members as they strive to deliver positive business results.”

Gloster was previously the CEO of Omnilab Media’s creative services division and has spent 20 years in marketing communications roles across Australia and Europe. Gloster comes with considerable industry association experience having been a board director on the European Association of Communications Agencies and she has also sat on the Council of International Agencies for Europe. She is widely recognised by both the advertising and business community for her skills and achievements.

Kingsmill added a special thanks to Alina Bain, who has been acting CEO and was instrumental in crafting the new strategic plan for AANA. Under Bain’s leadership the AANA also secured the World Federation of Advertiser’s Global Marketer Conference for 2014. Bain will continue to expertly champion and lead AANA’s regulatory affairs work and will expand her role further as the AANA embarks on its new strategic plan.

Says Kingsmill: “The appointment of Ms Gloster and her leadership team places AANA at the forefront of industry issues and representation. AANA is well positioned to deliver on its strategic purpose to inspire and promote responsible, innovative, and respected marketing.”

The AANA engaged the services of Hourigan International, the specialist Marketing and Creative Communications Leadership recruitment firm to undertake a comprehensive search, resulting in the selection of Gloster.

Gloster takes up her new position on 10 June 2013.