January 4, 2018: The International Lead Association has appointed Hywel Jarman as its communications director, marking the start of its campaign across Europe to inform and educate regulators and policymakers about the benefits and sustainability of lead batteries.
Jarman started on January 2. He will be responsible for developing and implementing a strategic communications strategy across the UK-based ILA and its research arm ALABC, working in the US.
The ILA’s counterpart campaign in North America — the Advancing Lead Batteries Communications Initiative — kicked off in September with Battery Council International’s appointment of Lisa Dry.
“Now that the initiative is proceeding in America and Europe, we expect it to be picked up and continued in other parts of the world,” says Andy Bush, managing director of the ILA.
“It is vital that we ensure regulatory decision-makers consider our industry and our products based on the latest facts and evidence available. We have a good story to tell and this year we will be loud and proud in talking about the strengths of our industry and the many benefits of the lead-based products which power our everyday lives.”
The ILA and BCI are working together to support each other’s campaigns.
“Hywel brings an excellent and much needed skillset to our campaigning,” says Bush. “He brings considerable communications and advocacy experience from his work in Brussels and London.”
Jarman spent the past four years as director of external affairs at a leading UK business organization, the Engineering Employers Federation, where he was responsible for promoting and representing the interests of the UK manufacturing industry.
A former journalist, he has held a range of senior strategic communications and marketing positions during his work in the public and private sector.
“The lead industry has been and remains highly successful but it hasn’t always done enough to communicate its story,” Jarman says. “Part of my work through the ILA is to put the record straight about the importance of lead in our industrial eco-system and the role it plays in many every-day and essential products, from vehicle batteries to emergency back-up facilities supporting vital public services.
“Part of that story is the industry’s record for the highest level of environmental sustainability and standards. The industry is also looking to the future as the results of innovation and research come to fruition and new products and market opportunities start to unfold.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with lead producers and manufacturers throughout the value chains where lead is a major and vital contributor.”