Automatic Vending Association Names Jonathan Hart Chief Executive

SAUNDERTON, England -- The Automatic Vending Association has appointed Jonathan Hart as its new chief executive. He comes to AVA from the Tobacco Retailers' Alliance, which represents more than 20,000 independent retailers across the United Kingdom.

Hart, who graduated from Manchester University, earned a postgraduate diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Central Lancashire, began his career with newspapers including Scotland on Sunday and radio outlets, one of them the British Broadcasting Corp. He then moved into public affairs and public relations, in which he has worked for the past two decades. His clients have included Gazprom, Diageo, BP and the Tobacco Retailers' Alliance.

"Jonathan brings a wealth of experience to the AVA from his media, public relations and trade association backgrounds," said David Ward, board chairman of the association. "He has had great success with his work in press relations and public affairs to enhance the profile of the independent retailer sector, which often does not get its voice heard."

AVA represents the vending and office refreshment services industry in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. It conducts the internationally renowned AVEX industry trade show in alternate years, most recently in Manchester this summer.