AVA: The Vending & Automated Retail Association has appointed Paul Fitzjohn as its new communications and events manager, bringing with him more than 17 years of high-level experience across retail, FMCG, financial services and global corporate environments.
Paul joins the AVA following a successful tenure with Awaze, where he implemented a multi-brand communications strategy, introduced AI Champions, and strengthened leadership visibility across its pan-European operation. Prior to this, Paul held a senior internal communications position at Asda, where he played a pivotal role in delivering the retailer’s Future People Programme to thousands of colleagues, managed group-wide financial communications, led pay and reward updates for over 125,000 employees, and contributed to several major operational and people-focused initiatives.
Throughout his career, Paul has also held communications roles at McCain Foods, Evri, Arrow Global, Redmayne-Bentley, Morrisons and HBOS, delivering award-winning communications, major rebrands, crisis responses, ESG strategies and multi-country engagement platforms. With deep expertise in communication strategy, transformation programmes, leadership visibility, digital channels and colleague engagement, Paul brings a wealth of strategic insight to the AVA at an important time for the industry.
Paul’s role at the AVA covers leading all communications activity, maintaining and enhancing member engagement through regular communication, overseeing all digital content, communication platforms and the AVA website, and coordinating a variety of member events including regional meetings, activity days, webinars, training and the annual Christmas Luncheon.
Paul Fitzjohn, communications and events manager at the AVA, said: “I’m really excited to be joining the AVA, and look forward to learning about the industry, working with our members to understand where and how we can help support them and provide an even better service, while raising awareness and promoting the great work we’re already doing.”
David Llewellyn, chief executive of the AVA, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Paul to the AVA team. His energy and communications expertise will help us raise the profile of our industry and bring real value to our members as we continue to grow and innovate.”
With more than 180 member organisations operating 460,000 vending machines nationwide and contributing to a £3.6 billion industry, the AVA continues to drive engagement, share best practice and support its members as the voice of the vending and automated retail sector in the UK.
