ISBA appoints Phil Smith as director general
ISBA, the advertising trade body, has appointed Phil Smith as incoming director general to replace incumbent Mike Hughes following his decision to retire after ten years in the post.
Smith, a former marketing director at Kraft, is well placed for the role having sat on the ISBA’s executive board – which he later went on to chair in tandem with his then current position as commercial and operations director at Camelot.
A key player in the British grocery market Smith also held senior positions on the boards of Kwiksave, Somerfield and Musgrave.
ISBA president, Simon Litherland, chief executive of Britvic plc, commented: "There was strong competition for this role and we are delighted with this appointment. Phil brings depth and breadth of industry experience together with a progressive outlook - and he knows ISBA well.”
Smith added: "With the marketing communications ecosystems changing at an increasing pace, advertisers need a strong & effective ISBA more than ever to continue to champion their cause, and be the trusted source of expert, objective advice and guidance – from the advertiser’s viewpoint.”
Smith will assume his new role on 9 January next year, with Hughes remaining to assist with the transition through to the end of the month.