LONDON (Brand Republic) - Hamish Pringle, the former vice-chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi, is to succeed Nick Phillips as the next director general of the IPA.
Pringle, 49, is currently the director of marketing strategy at the IPA, a post he has held since it was created two years ago by IPA president Rupert Howell in an effort to drive recognition of the advertising industry鈥檚 contribution to the UK economy.
Howell was a member of the IPA selection panel that picked Pringle after a search for suitable candidates conducted by headhunters Spencer Stuart.
Other members included former IPA president John Bartle, president-elect Bruce Haines and former chairman of the IPA media policy group Ray Kelly.
In 1999, Pringle set up his own marketing consultancy, Brand Beliefs, following his departure from Saatchis. He has also held senior positions with agencies including Leagas Delaney, Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO, Publicis and BMP DDB. He has also run his own agency, Madell Wilmot Pringle.
Pringle has a long history with the IPA -- back in 1994, he replaced Michael Hockney as chairman of its advertising effectiveness committee.
Commenting on the appointment, Howell said that Pringle had stood out from the compiled shortlist for his combination of 鈥渄ynamism and diplomacy鈥, coupled with his knowledge and success of the industry and the IPA.