Buscombe steps down from AA

Peta Buscombe, chief executive of the Advertising Association, is leaving the body to become chairman of the Press Complaints Commission. She will replace Sir Christopher Meyer at the PCC in April next year.

AA has yet to announce a replacement for Baroness Buscombe, who will have been in the role for just over two years when she leaves. She was previously the Shadow Minister for Education and Skills in the House of Lords.

Mark Lund, chairman of AA, says that it is seeking a replacement that will “continue highlighting freedom to advertise responsibly and the success and effectiveness of the self-regulatory system”. He adds: “This is an important time of the AA as the high level policy formulator and lobbying organisation bringing together all key components of the advertising industry.

Buscombe has played a key role in the advertising industry’s response to the Government’s Change4Life obesity strategy. Last week, the Department of Health and the industry, under Business4Life, announced plans to launch a series of initiatives to encourage consumers to eat well and exercise more.