The Vending & Automated Retails Association (AVA) has appointed Paul Fitzjohn as its new communications lead, bringing with him more than 15 years of high-level experience across retail, FMCG, financial services and global corporate environments.
Paul joins the AVA following a successful contract with Awaze, where he overhauled the company’s 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. He played a pivotal part in delivering the retailer’s Future People Programme to thousands of colleagues, managing group-wide financial communications, leading pay and reward updates for over 125,000 employees, and supporting major operational and colleague-focused initiatives.
Paul’s experience spans further roles at McCain Foods, Evri, Arrow Global, Redmayne-Bentley, Morrisons, and HBOS, where he delivered 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.
“The AVA is excited to welcome Paul to the team as we continue to strengthen our voice, enhance member engagement and champion the future of vending and automated retail” said chief executive David Llewellyn.
