Stanbrook leaves AA to join DLA Upstream

Deputy director-general of the Advertising Association Lionel Stanbrook is leaving to join lobbying shop DLA Upstream, as managing director of public affairs next January.

A DLA spokesman claimed Stanbrook's appointment demonstrates the agency's determination to respond to its client's demands for the integration of high quality political advice with legal counsel.

Kevin Craig, DLA Upstream UK account director said: 'Stanbrook is a true heavy-hitter. He has a track record of dealing with public affairs and media-related issues, as well as political experience within the Conservative party. For us his appointment is the last piece in the jig saw.'

Stanbrook will head DLA Upstream's six-strong team in London. However, he said a key part of his role would be to integrate not just legal and public affairs, but also to offer European integration, through liaison with the company's Brussels office.

DLA Upstream is headed by chairman Tim Clement-Jones. Its clients span financial services, e-commerce and IT, and include Siemens, Freeserve, and Doc Martens.

The move was described by Stanbrook as one he believes will allow him to marry legal and public affairs knowledge. He said: 'My work for the AA is all about lobbying, campaigning and defending the sector. Law is about interrogating the past, and PR is about predicting the future,' he said.

Stanbrook joined the AA in 1991 as director of European affairs and special issues, becoming deputy director-general in 1996.

During this time he developed a series of successful public affairs initiatives including the formation of the Advertising Information Group - with which he will remain involved - the Food Advertising Unit, and the Children's Programme.