Kathryn Thomas, marketing manager for Roadside Services, becomes head of marketing for lending. She replaces Lloyd East, the former head of financial services marketing, who was recently promoted to general manager of AA Financial Services.
Thomas, who has also worked as marketing communications manager for British Gas, will focus on acquiring customers for AA's personal loans business.
She will manage AA Financial Services' integrated agency Rapier.
Thomas will also work closely with Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS), which supplies the AA with its credit card. The company is hunting for a card marketing manager to temporarily replace Wendy Hennem, who is currently on maternity leave.
Separately, the AA plans to maximise advertising and sponsorship opportunities across its publishing division. It has appointed sponsorship agency PSP Communications to search for tie-ups following a six-way competitive pitch.
As well as selling advertising in AA books, the agency will develop sponsorship deals for a variety of awards and events. For example, pet food manufacturer Pedigree sponsors the AA award for the most pet-friendly accommodation in the UK.
PSP will work across all areas of AA publishing, which includes,hotel guides; maps and atlases; driving theory test books; and travel guides.
The AA is still looking for a marketing and strategy director to replace Clare Salmon, who was promoted to managing director of its financial services division (Marketing, December 11 2003). The successful candidate will replace Mike Couzens, who is managing the role on an interim basis.
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