Richard Bean, Executive Director of Ad Standards, Australia's advertising complaints handling body, is set to step down at the end of September.

Martin Brown, Chair of the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA), praised Bean's leadership and contributions to Ad Standards. Bean's work included the development of the Community Panel, an independent body that reviews all advertising complaints.

"On behalf of the AANA Board, I would like to thank Richard for his dedication and professionalism. Richard has been an exceptional leader of Ad Standards, lifting trust and transparency in our world class advertising self-regulatory system," said Brown. "In particular, his work to develop the Community Panel that independently reviews all advertising complaints has significantly strengthened the way it represents the Australian community."

Bean has also represented the Australian industry on the Executive Committee of the International Council for Advertising Self-Regulation (ICAS).

During the recruitment process for Bean's replacement, Rachel Tunney, Ad Standards Communications Manager, will be the lead point of contact.