Mike Hughes to step down as ISBA director general

ISBA’s director general Mike Hughes has decided to step down in the first quarter of 2017 after 10 years in the role.

Hughes joined ISBA in 2007, with more than three decades’ worth of experience in the media industry – including roles at Unilever, Coca-Cola, Guinness and Bulmers plc.

He is also a member of the Brussels-based World Federation of Advertisers Executive Committee, where he holds the posts of Treasurer and Chair of the National Associations Council, as well as all key UK industry bodies.

Simon Litherland, ISBA President and CEO of Britvic plc, said: “The ISBA Council is extremely grateful to Mike for his astute leadership of ISBA over the past decade.

“He has overseen growth of membership to its highest-ever level, with a significant expansion of benefits flowing to ISBA members. He has maintained ISBA’s unique focus on protecting and furthering the interests of advertisers while ensuring that ISBA plays its full part in industry-wide initiatives. We wish him well.”

Hughes said: “I’ve really enjoyed the past 10 years and it’s now time to pass the torch and move on to the next chapter of life.

“I am immensely proud of the dedicated, professional ISBA team who deliver value day in, day out and particularly the execution of an ambitious growth strategy which has resulted in record membership and expansion of member benefits. I look forward to my successor taking ISBA on to the next level.”

A successor is expected to be announced by the end of the year.