Paul Bainsfair appointed as next IPA director general

Paul Bainsfair will succeed Hamish Pringle as director general of the IPA when he stands down at the end of July 2011.

Bainsfair is expected to formally join the IPA on the 7 June to begin a two-month handover with Pringle. He will serve an initial five year contract.

Bainsfair is currently chairman of Iris Worldwide. His previous roles include non-executive chairman of Lean Mean Fighting Machine, president TBWA Europe, director of Omnicom Europe, founder and co-chairman of Bainsfair Sharkey Trott and a number of roles at Saatchi & Saatchi,.

Moray MacLennan, worldwide chief executive of M&C Saatchi and joint head of the IPA selection process, said: “We are delighted to have found someone of Paul’s calibre for this high-profile appointment. The shortlist was impressive but Paul stood out as having a strong combination of a successful and varied UK and international agency career, and a proven track record as a leader. He is well-known, liked and respected in our business.”

Bainsfair added: “We are facing some big trends which are already having an impact on the future shape of the advertising and communications industry. For me, there couldn’t be a more interesting time to take on this role. I’m looking forward to helping the IPA play its part in keeping our world class industry at the forefront during these challenging times.”