Allan Yates appointed as Head of Communications and Marketing

It is with great pleasure that the Australian War Memorial announces the appointment of Mr Allan Yates as Head, Communications and Marketing.

Mr Yates comes to the Memorial with a strong background as a communications and marketing manager and practitioner for state and federal government agencies. His career includes experience with national and international organisations in both public and private sectors.

The Director of the Australian War Memorial, Dr Brendan Nelson, said “I am pleased to welcome Allan to the Memorial. He has a wealth of experience in this field, and we are very fortunate to have him join us during this significant period in Australia’s military history.”

Mr Yates worked as a journalist in both the national and the international media for almost 20 years, including 12 years in the federal parliamentary press gallery. He has also held senior roles in media relations with the Australian Institute of Sport, and at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. More recently, he has provided strategic advice, issues management and communications and marketing services to organisations including the Australian Automobile Association, TAFE Directors Australia, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program, the Department of Climate Change and Water, and NSW Health.

Mr Yates believes that it is a great honour to work at one of the world’s great museums and an institution so close to the hearts of many Australians.

“I value this opportunity to lead the Communications and Marketing team,” said Mr Yates. “This is a critical period for the Memorial as it prepares to commemorate the centenary of the First World War with a range of informative, engaging, and captivating projects, events, and activities for all Australians to share.”

Mr Yates will take up his role at the Memorial as Head, Communications and Marketing on 3 March 2014.