Communications Council appoints CEO

Following an extensive search, the newlyformed industry body, The Communications Council, today confirmed theappointment of a CEO, Daniel Leesong.

Leesong comes to the Council from avariety of roles in both industry associations and government positions, mostrecently being the Chief of Staff for Paul Lennon, immediate past Premier ofTasmania. Other experience includes roles at Tourism Industry Council Tasmania,Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia and Australian HotelAssociations where he held management and public affairs roles.

Chairman of The Communications Council, Anthony Freedman said, “Daniel was a stand out candidate and received unanimous endorsement from the Board members who were involved in the recruitment process.”

“He brings a wealth of experience in areas that are key to the future direction of the Council along with plenty of energy, enthusiasm and ideas. I know he will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the Council is much more than the sum of the founding parts,” continued Freedman

Leesong will commence in the role from 1st March with other new appointments expected in the coming months.

The appointment follows a search covering several months during which time former Executive Director of the AFA, Mark Champion acted in the role.

Council Chair Anthony Freedman said, “Mark Champion has played a huge role in the formation of The Communications Council and has done an exceptional job stewarding it to fruition over the last few months as Acting CEO. On behalf of the Board, the team at the Council and our members, I would like to express our gratitude and wish him well.”

The Communications Council was formed on 1 January 2010, merging the former Advertising Federation of Australia (AFA) with the Account Planning Group (APG) and Australasian Writers and Art Directors Association (AWARD). The Council creates a footprint across the increasingly integrated world of creative, digital, healthcare, design, direct marketing, promotion, PR, plus creative production companies and strategic planning consultancies.

Based on the concept of ‘together stronger’ the Council champions a proactive and united industry approach that faces up to the increasingly restrictive regulatory creep.