DLKW Lowe chairman Tom Knox elected next IPA president
DLKW Lowe chairman Tom Knox has been elected to succeed current IPA president Ian Priest next March.
Knox, who was nominated by the IPA Council members this afternoon, was one of the founders of Delaney Lund Knox Warren in 2000, which grew to become the largest non-network agency in the UK before being merged with Lowe and Partners in 2010.
He will serve as IPA president for two years from 26 March 2015, and will be expected to deliver his first two-year manifesto at the IPA Members lunch next April.
His election comes on the back of a formal three-month selection process by the IPA Presidential Nominating Committee, which was led by Moray MacLennan, Worldwide chief executive of M&C Saatchi.
MacLennan said: “My role as chairman of the nominating committee was remarkably straightforward. To identify that certain someone whom the industry wants as their next leader. It was soon obvious that this person was Tom. And we were even more delighted when he accepted with as much enthusiasm. I have no doubt that he will be a fantastic leader for the IPA and the industry.”
IPA director general Paul Bainsfair described Knox as someone who “cares deeply” about the industry.
“His background at both big network agencies and his own shop give him a unique perspective of the needs and issues facing our members. He is the perfect candidate to succeed Ian, and I very much look forward to working with him.”
Knox added: “I am tremendously flattered and honoured to be chosen as the IPA’s next President and I look forward to building on Ian’s ADAPT agenda. As Hon Sec and chairman of the Membership Committee I am aware of the great team and resources that the IPA has and I will do my utmost to live up to the legacy of all my illustrious predecessors.”
Suring his tenure as IPA president Ian Priestman rolled out the ADAPT programme, designed to help the whole industry adapt faster to changing the marketing and communications environments and accelerate growth. ADAPT stands for: Alliances; Diversification; Agility; Performance and Talent.