PRCA appoints Grayling CEO as new chairman

The Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA) has named Alison Clarke as its new chairman for 2012-14.

Ms Clarke, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Grayling in the UK and Ireland, will take over from outgoing chairman Sally Costerton, who is set to become vice-chairman and will help her successor to implement board strategies.

These decisions came during the organisation's annual general meeting, held during its hugely successful PRCA National Conference, where a major report on the future of the PR industry was also presented.

Ms Clarke said: "I look forward to continuing the successful strategy for growth ably led by Francis [Ingham, director-general] and the PRCA team, and driven forward with such energy by Sally and the board during her tenure."

It was also revealed during the meeting that the PRCA experienced year-on-year growth of 17 percent during the 2011-12 financial year, despite the ongoing economic difficulties in the UK.

The organisation currently has more than 250 agency members from around the world, including the majority of the top 100 UK consultancies.