Simon Cooper announced as new British Arrows chair

The British Arrows, the longest running advertising industry awards, have announced Academy’s joint MD and partner, Simon Cooper as their new chair.

Cooper takes on the role after the previous Joint Chairwomen, Jani Guest and Clare Donald, stepped down after four years at the helm of the awards.

“It’s obviously an enormous honour to Chair the Arrows and I was immensely flattered when Jani and Claire proposed that I take over,” said Cooper. “Given that, currently, new chair-people can only be drawn from the existing board, which is a fairly small group of  successful and extremely busy people, the question becomes more about who feels they can give the required time and energy to it. I felt I could.”

Cooper went on to talk about his plans for the future of the British Arrows. ‘It’s vital to maintain the Arrows relevance, interest and affordability to an industry that is more creatively and financially challenged than it has ever been.

“The organisation is not-for-profit, so honing and tweaking the categories, the prices and the sponsorship to keep it financially viable are critical.”

Lisa Lavender, managing director of the British Arrows, added: “It’s a privilege to be working with Simon as our new Chairperson.  With him as our leader I’m hugely excited for our future as we prepare to launch the second Young Arrows and make plans for the 48th British Arrows.”