Merali, who will represent the needs of UK publishers in the role, said: "I’m delighted to be joining the ABC Board and to speak on behalf of an industry I feel so passionate about.

"ABC is a highly regarded organisation and plays a key role in supporting the credibility and commercial success of many of our members. I look forward to working with my fellow Board members to develop standards and services that continue to underpin the success of our UK publishing industry.”

The other new additions to the ABC Board are Tina Callcutt, Director of Content Sales at National World Publishing, and Nick Service, Chairman of the Hemming Group, who will represent Business Media titles.

Simon Redlich, Chief Executive at ABC, said: "I’m delighted to welcome our new members to the ABC Board. Each of them brings an extraordinary wealth of expertise in their chosen sectors, and they will all play a key role in ensuring we continue to develop products and services that deliver multiple benefits to our industry.”

ABC’s Board meets regularly and is made up of key representatives from agencies, advertisers, media owners and trade bodies nominated by the following industry associations: the IPA, ISBA, NMA, PPA and IAB UK.