Ad Industry Loses Over 40s

The over 40s are losing their place in the advertising industry, according to the IPA’s 2001 census, which shows that almost 50% of people that work for advertising agencies are under the age of 30.

The report shows that less than 20% of people working within the industry are over 40 and just 6% are over 50. President of the IPA, Bruce Haines, believes that a large number of over 40s are leaving the sector for “obvious lifestyle reasons.”

He said: “The last few years have proved tough for the advertising industry and agencies are lean machines. Hours are getting longer, margins are down and more is being asked of staff. I think a lot of those aged 40 and over are moving on to less stressful areas of business.”

He added: “There are a lot of young talented people out there but some don’t have the precious experience gained through years in the industry. The last downturn was in the early nineties and there are a lot of young managers who only have experience in dealing with success.”

According to the IPA, women now make up 49% of the industry, 23% of board directors and 12% of CEOs and managing directors. The census also shows that advertising remains a London-based business with 58% of IPA companies situated in the capital.

IPA: 020 7235 7020 www.ipa.co.uk

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