Simon Marquis to replace Baxter as non-executive board director for COI
Former ZenithOptimedia UK chairman Simon Marquis is to replace Marilyn Baxter as non-executive board director for The Central Office of Information (COI).
Marquis will join the board with immediate effect following Baxter’s retirement after seven years in the role.
He stepped down as chairman of ZenithOptimedia UK in 2006 after eight years with the agency, choosing to focus on a portfolio of non-executive and advisory roles at companies including St Ives, Packet Vision, CSquared Communications.
In his role with the COI he will be tasked with challenging and accessing the impact of business decisions, making a creative contribution to the department and will aim to bring his own independent viewpoint on situations.
Mark Lund, chief executive of COI, said: “I’m delighted that Simon is joining us. His experience of all sides of communications, particularly of the evolving channel world, is unparalleled and he has great insight and gravitas.”
Marquis added: “There can hardly be a more interesting and challenging time to be involved with COI than now. I have the greatest respect for the organisation and its people and feel very honoured to have been asked to join its supervisory board.”