The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI), the independent self-regulatory body committed to promoting the highest standards of marketing communications in Ireland, has appointed Miriam Hughes as the new Chair of the organisation’s Board.

Miriam, who has over 30 years working in the advertising and marketing industry, brings extensive experience to the ASAI. She spent nearly two decades with DDFH&B, including eight years as Group CEO where she worked with clients and stakeholders to develop national and international strategies focused on delivering commercial objectives. Currently she is Chairperson and Non-Executive Director of Bus Eireann and Pluto as well as a Non-Executive Director of eir and Córas Iompair Éireann.

Over the course of her career, Miriam was also a board member of IAPI, a past president of the Marketing Institute of Ireland, a past president of Association of Advertisers in Ireland and Chairperson and Non-Executive Director of Barnardo’s. She holds a B.Comm and an MBS in Marketing from University College Dublin and she is also a Chartered Director of the Institute of Directors.

Commenting on her new appointment, Miriam Hughes said: The ASAI works with advertisers across all mediums in promoting the highest standards of marketing communications. It will be a great privilege to chair this hugely impressive board and to help continue building momentum around the positive work done to date. This is a very exciting phase for the ASAI and I’m really looking forward to working with the organisation to continue strengthening our role and relevance in an ever-evolving media landscape.”

Miriam is taking over the role from interim Chair Suzanne McElligott, who will remain on the Board of the ASAI.

Welcoming Miriam’s appointment to the ASAI, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the ASAI, added: “On behalf of the ASAI, I’m delighted to welcome Miriam as the new Chair of the Board. Her wealth of experience across business and both public and private sectors Boards will be of immense benefit to the ASAI as we continue to successfully navigate the complexities of the advertising eco-system and extending our reach with diverse stakeholders.”

The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland is financed by the advertising industry and committed, in the public interest, to promoting the highest standards of marketing communications that is advertising, promotional marketing and direct marketing. The objective is to ensure that all commercial marketing communications are ‘legal, decent, honest and truthful’.

Media are required to abide by the Code and not to publish an advertisement or conduct a promotion which contravenes Code rules. The Code covers commercial marketing communications and sales promotions in all media in Ireland including digital (online banners, websites and social platforms), print, outdoor, radio, TV, leaflets/brochures, and direct marketing.

Further information on advertising self-regulation, the ASAI and the operation of the system is available at www.asai.ie