Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Chairman, Lord Smith has announced the appointment of a new Council member, David Hepworth. The ASA Council is the body responsible for judging complaints under the UK Advertising Codes.

David is a Partner in an independent media company, Development Hell Ltd, publishers of MixMag and The Word. He was Editorial Director of EMAP Consumer Magazines from 1983 to 2002, where he was responsible for the editorial side of launches of Just Seventeen, Q, Empire, Mojo, More and Heat. Prior to that he was editor of Smash Hits magazine from 1981-1983.

David will sit on the Non-broadcast Council as an Industry member; the ASA Council is formed of two-thirds independent and one-third industry members. He will take up his position on Friday 12 April and replace, Sally Cartwright (Chairman of the Audit Bureau of Circulation and former Publishing Director of HELLO! Magazine), who has served the maximum appointed term of six years.

Of the appointment, Lord Smith said: “I am delighted to welcome David to the ASA. David’s knowledge and background make him an invaluable addition to Council. He has a wealth of experience and understanding of media having worked in top editorial roles and print journalism, and is very up to date with new and social media developments”.

David Hepworth said: “Coming from a background in publishing I know what an important part advertising plays in supporting the media we all consume. But I know it’s just as important that the ads we come across are honest, and appropriate for the audiences that see them - and keeping those standards high is imperative. I look forward to lending my perspective to both the fascinating, and challenging issues that the ASA presides over”.

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