ISBA's director of public affairs Ian Twinn to retire after 18 years
The Incorporated Society of British Advertisers (ISBA) has announced that its director of public affairs Ian Twinn has decided to retire after 18 years of service.
ISBA's director of public affairs Ian Twinn to retire after 18 years / ISBA
Twinn, who is regional chairman for London Conservatives, has an extensive political background having served as a Conservative MP from 1983 to 1997 and an MEP from 2003 to 2004.
He has worked with the advertising trade body for almost two decades, helping push issues facing advertisers' in government.
Phil Smith, ISBA's recently-appointed director general said: "For almost two decades, ISBA and our members have benefited from Ian’s tremendous political acumen and nous as well as his serious negotiating skills. Over the years, he has helped us tread a careful path through tricky issues for advertisers such as food, drink and children both at a UK and EU level, showing great leadership and helping us drive the agenda in an increasingly complex landscape."
"ISBA members and staff as well as the whole sector will miss him and wish him every success in this next stage of life."
The move comes amid other changes at the trade body with Smith only having replaced former director general Mike Hughes three months ago. Meanwhile, ex-director of media and advertising Bob Wootton, left at the start of last year.
"I have had an amazing 18 years working for our UK advertisers, helping to steer a path between attacks on advertising and the very real need for responsible, consumer-facing, rules," said Twinn. "I have every confidence that ISBA will go from strength to strength in the years to come."
The Drum reached out to ISBA to find out more about who would be undertaking Twinn's responsibilities but the group was unable to comment.