PRCA further strengthens management team

London, 17 November 2009 - The PRCA today announced changes further strengthening its senior leadership team.

Sally Costerton, chair and CEO of Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) for Hill & Knowlton becomes Vice-Chairman, assuming the Chairman's role in mid 2010. Standing down as Vice-Chairman is Richard Houghton, CEO of Carrot Communications. He becomes President of ICCO on January 1st, and will drive the PRCA's international profile. David Gallagher, Senior Partner and President of Ketchum Pleon in Europe remains as Chairman, and Matt Neale, Co-Managing Director of GolinHarris in Europe remains as Treasurer.

Commenting on the new appointments, PRCA Director General Francis Ingham said:

“It's a sign of the PRCA's renewed vitality that someone of the stature of Sally Costerton is willing to make the time to provide us with the benefit of their leadership. I challenge anyone to look at our officer line up and not be immensely impressed with the respect it enjoys throughout the PR industry.

“Richard's Houghton's four years as Chairman and Vice Chairman have seen marked improvements in the PRCA, many of them driven by his personal initiatives and commitment. Those same qualities will now be directed to promoting international best practice and co-operation in his new role as President of ICCO.”

Sally Costerton commented  “I am fortunate to have this opportunity when the PRCA's industry leadership is so revitalised. There is everything to play for. We must anchor PR's role in the digital world whilst leading the debate on the core issue of sustainability. We need to have the courage to ‘shed a skin' and emerge from the recession more confident about the real value we deliver. I relish the opportunity to play my role and working alongside Francis, David and the Willow House team.”

- ENDS -

Notes to editors:

Photos are available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/prca_uk/sets/72157622822936712/ 

For more information please contact:
Richard Ellis, PR Director, PRCA - T; 020 7233 6026 or E: richard.ellis@prca.org.uk

Poppy Nagra, Global PR Manager, Hill & Knowlton - T. 020 7413 3021 or E. poppy.nagra@hillandknowlton.com

About the PRCA
The Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA) exists to raise standards in PR and to help members be better organisations. 

  • The Association grew by over 33% during 2008.  
  • Founded in 1969 the PRCA promotes all aspects of public relations consultancy.   
  • PRCA members differentiate themselves from other PR consultancies by achieving the Consultancy Management Standard (CMS), a professional accreditation that has been adopted by PR agencies in more than 11 countries around the world.   
  • All PRCA member organisations are bound by a Professional Charter and Codes of Conduct.  
  • In 2009 the PRCA opened Associate Membership to leading in-house communications teams.

As part of its commitment to excellence in PR, the PRCA carries out a number of functions:

  • PR training and qualification: the PRCA organises a range of bespoke, in-house & online courses as well as general training and qualifications. Course subjects range from: how to write a press release: to how to manage your agency.   
  •  Find A PR Agency: this free service helps clients find a reputable PR consultancy for their brief.    
    Industry surveys: the PRCA undertakes a number of surveys every year including the most comprehensive benchmark of industry performance.   
  •  Networking and best practice groups: the PRCA organises a number of groups to help members stay ahead of industry trends and raise general industry issues.   
  •  Promotes the value of PR and the need for standards: the PRCA provides a strong voice on a range of issues relating to PR.   
  • Lobbies government on key issues: the Association represents members' interests in areas with Government and other relevant organisations such as the FSA and NLA.

About Hill & Knowlton
Hill & Knowlton, Inc. is a leading international communications consultancy, providing services to local, multinational and global clients. The firm is headquartered in New York, with 81 offices in 43 countries, as well as an extensive associate network. The agency is part of WPP, one of the world's largest communications services groups.

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