Companies: ASG   

Sharp-eyed media followers will note the second appointment of a former Clear Channel executive to an AIM board this month, with Avanti Screenmedia’s hiring of Julie France as managing director.

Miss France resigned from the outdoor advertising colossus earlier this year after accidentally emailing details of confidential negotiations with a poster-buying specialist to all its competitors.

However, Avanti’s chief executive David Williams believes her ‘track record, knowledge of the media market and commercial expertise will be a real asset. To have someone of her stature guiding the next phase of growth is a significant milestone for Avanti and a sign that screen media is coming of age.’

Avanti operates advertising screens at its network of more than 1,000 bars and 30 shopping malls and is preparing to launch its own satellite. France’s transfer is expected to coincide with a diversification into posters, where her specialisation lies.