ABDO appoints communications and engagement director

Gavin Berkerey

Gavin Berkerey has joined ABDO in the newly-created position of communications and engagement director.

Gavin joins ABDO’s senior leadership team, taking responsibility for the Association’s membership and communications functions.

The newly-created position reflects ABDO’s “commitment to strengthening engagement and raising awareness of the expertise and value that dispensing opticians bring to eyecare”, said the Association.

Gavin will also oversee the communications and marketing activity of ABDO College, promoting the range of specialist education it offers, including the FBDO apprenticeship.

With extensive experience in marketing and communications, Gavin worked for leading agencies and in industry before moving into the membership arena. Most notably, he served as head of membership and marketing at the Royal Society of Medicine, where he played a key role in driving member engagement and strategic growth.

Gavin said: “It’s a privilege to support an organisation whose purpose is so clear and impactful: to represent and champion its members, promote awareness of their vital roles, enable their professional development, and advance the profession. I’m looking forward to working with the talented teams at ABDO and ABDO College to deepen member engagement, strengthen communications and marketing, and help shape the future for dispensing opticians.”

ABDO CEO, Alistair Bridge, commented:“Gavin brings a wealth of experience to this important new role. His fresh thinking and ideas will be invaluable as we work to enhance our engagement with members, highlighting their expertise and the excellent patient care they provide, as well as promote the extensive educational opportunities provided by ABDO College.”