The Direct Marketing Association has announced that Mike Barnes, director of marketing and business development is to step down after 10 years.

He will leave in April to take on his new appointments as commercial and marketing director of equestrian organisation British Eventing.

Barnes’ duties will be passed onto James Kelly, managing director of DMA for the time being as a review of the association’s strategy and operations is carried out.

Kelly said: “I would like to thank Mike for the immense contribution he has made to the DMA over the years. In particular, his energy, enthusiasm and significant input to the DMA’s strategy and business planning have been invaluable. He has spearheaded many initiatives that have helped to ensure that the DMA remains a highly effective trade body.  

“However, we’re always looking at new ways of developing the DMA to keep it at the forefront of the direct marketing industry. I will therefore be taking the opportunity to review the position in the wider context of the DMA’s priorities going forward and determine how it can best serve the interests of our members in these challenging times.”