Mary Ann Azer to head Magazine Publishers of Australia
Former Procter and Gamble marketing communications boss Mary Ann Azer is to head industry association Magazine Publishers of Australia (MPA) as its new executive director, replacing Robin Parkes who moved to Telstra’s marketing team earlier this year.
Azer will report to MPA Chairman and CEO of Bauer Media Matthew Stanton and will face the challenge of promoting the magazine industry at time of continuing double digit revenue declines and falling print circulations.
“Mary Ann’s appointment signifies the continuing commitment of the MPA to the ongoing revitalisation and promotion of the magazine publishing industry,” said Stanton, in a statement.
“(Her) skills are ideal to take MPA to the next level and communicate our collective message about the innovative and robust state of the Australian magazine publishing industry.”
She has previously been a senior executive with 20 years’ experience in marketing, PR, corporate communications and external relations at Procter & Gamble, where she finished seven months ago before starting her own consultancy.
Working for P&G in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East, Azer worked across major brands such as Gillette, Pantene, Oral- B, Olay and Duracell.
Azer said: “Magazines are innovative multi-platform brands that communicate with loyal audiences across print, digital, mobile and social media. Readers have a special and trusted relationship with their favourite magazine brands and it is important for the MPA to communicate the unique benefits of these relationships to both our advertisers and consumers.
“I am thrilled to be working with Matthew and also the MPA member CEOs, Peter Zavecz (Pacific Publications) and Nicole Sheffield (NewsLifeMedia), who are committed to developing and promoting the great brands, people and innovation within the magazine publishing industry.”
Azer’s appointment is effective from May 1.
Nic Christensen