Our people
Secretariat
Simon Spanswick CEO and Executive Producer, The AIBs
When did you join AIB?
August 1993, when it was founded
Sum up your role at the AIB
As Chief Executive, I’m responsible for the strategic direction of the AIB, liaising with member companies and ensuring we deliver value to the membership across areas as diverse as advocacy, sustainability, cyber security, media freedom, promotion and market intelligence. I also am quite happy making the team coffee and tea, as well as turning my hand to resolving IT issues in the office!
Tell us a hidden fact about yourself
I have a bit of a passion for clocks (some might say it’s an obsession) that started watching the time ticking in studios and making sure that the pips weren’t crashed. I’ve made sure the AIB Secretariat has the right time, all the time, using clocks acquired at auction from various BBC TV and radio studios as they’ve been relocated to other locations.Â
Tom Wragg Director, Business Development
When did you join AIB?
 I was closely involved with the AIB from its inception but joined full time in June 2015.
Sum up your role at the AIB
My main focus is on Government relationships in particular for media freedom and development. I am also the lead for commercial matters for the Association.
Tell us a hidden fact about yourself
I love gardening and travel.
Clare Fuller Producer The AIBs and Coordinator, AIB Secretariat
When did you join AIB?
April 2013
Sum up your role at the AIB
I am in charge of the annual AIB awards from the lead up to the launch of the awards, receiving and organising the entries, sourcing and inviting judges, preparing for the AIBs awards gala dinner. Keeping the team under control on a day to day basis.
Tell us a hidden fact about yourself
I am quite good at hula hooping.
Lembit Öpik Head of Public Affairs
When did you join AIB?
Sum up your role at the AIB
Tell us a hidden fact about yourself
I’ve been fascinated by cosmology all my life – where did the Universe come from, and why? Asking questions like this keeps earthly problems in perspective. I’m also the Chair of Parliament for the ‘space nation’ Asgardia, which is dedicated to designing a society for peaceful human life in space. So, I run humanity’s first fully functioning digital democracy.
Craig Hobbs Multilateral Relations
When did you join AIB?
April 2023
Sum up your role at the AIB
Developing relationships and collaborations with international organizations and in expanding expertise on sustainability among the media sector.
Tell us a hidden fact about yourself
I’m an enthusiastic practitioner of transcendental meditation and attempt to pursue my responsibilities from an expanded level of consciousness.
Sophia Nasif Social Media Producer
When did you join AIB?
November 2022
Sum up your role at the AIB
I take care of all of the AIBs social media, from LinkedIn to Twitter/X! You’ll often spot me running around taking videos on my phone at the AIB Awards nights and other events. As the team’s youngest member and Millennial, I’ve ushered in Instagram reels and hashtags into the AIBs!
Tell us a hidden fact about yourself
I can read and write Arabic fluently, but not speak it
AIB Executive Committee 2024-2026
Chairperson Carlson Huang Chia-shan, Manager, International Language Division, Rti
Deputy Chairperson John Lippman, Acting Director for Programming, Voice of America
Nesryn Bouziane, Manager International Services, Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Nigel Fry, Director of Distribution, BBC World Service
Serge Schick, Director of International Development and Commercial Resources - EVP, Member of the Board, France Médias Monde
Ömer Faruk Tanriverdi, Deputy Director General, TRT
