She takes over from Matt Atkinson, EHS Brann managing director, who has come to the end of his two-year term.
According to the IPA, Phillips' focus in the role will include link-ups between direct marketing and digital media, the issue of return on investment and research into media consumption.
"My wish for the IPA direct marketing agencies via this futures group is to provide the brain fuel to lead the industry in this complex and fragmented media market," Phillips said.
The Direct Marketing Futures Group was previously called the Direct Marketing Group. Phillips will hold the post until 2007 when a new chairman will be sought.
Before joining Proximity London, Phillips held roles with AXA Equity & Law, WWAV Rapp Collins, Joshua and McCann Relationship Marketing, which she launched as managing director five years ago.
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