CIPR

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), Europe's largest professional body for PR practitioners, today announces the appointment of Jane Wilson as Chief Executive Officer, effective from 4 October 2010.

Jane, originally from Glasgow, has extensive experience in PR and marketing, both in-house and consultancy, including leadership roles at First Ford in Scotland, Scottish Media Group and Capital Radio, where she was part of the senior management team that led its merger with GWR and the subsequent battle against a hostile bid from Global Radio.

CIPR President Jay O'Connor comments:

Jane is an exceptional communicator whose experience spans media, public affairs, investor relations, internal communications, policy and marketing. Accomplished at the board table, Jane is a strong leader with an innate understanding of PR and the experience and enthusiasm to lead the Institute on behalf of members and the profession.

Jane Wilson adds:

It is an honour and a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead the CIPR. As we face new challenges and opportunities, never has a strong and expert profession been more necessary to provide a trusted voice for organisations across the globe.

A professional body is only successful when it truly represents and engages its members. I am looking forward to working with our members and the broader profession to ensure that the CIPR, with its unique Chartered status, not only responds to the profession's needs but actively leads it.

Senior media industry figures also welcomed the announcement. David Mansfield, Chairman of RAJAR, says:

Jane is a great leader of people, intelligent and inspiring. She is an excellent choice for CEO of the CIPR.

Fru Hazlitt, ITV's Managing Director of Commercial and Online, comments:

This is great news. It was a privilege to work with Jane at GCap Media. She is without doubt one of the most effective communications people I have come across.

Jane is a member of the steering committee of the Prince's Trust Women's Leadership Group and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

The search was conducted by VMA Group, which specialises in senior Communications roles, led by its MD, Claire Tuffin. Jay O'Connor comments:

We had an exceptional field of candidates and would like to thank Claire and her team for their support and guidance throughout the process.

For further information, please contact Claire Wheatcroft, CIPR Interim PR & Marketing Manager, on 020 7631 6920 or clairew@cipr.co.uk