Former Diageo CEO Paul Walsh is New Chime Chairman

UK marcoms group Chime Communications has appointed former Diageo CEO Paul Walsh as Chairman, replacing Lord Davies, who has stepped down following the firm's acquisition by WPP and buyout specialist Provident Equity Partners last summer.

London-based Chime was founded in 1989 by Margaret Thatcher's media adviser Lord Bell, and is the holding company for a portfolio of firms which include PR, advertising, digital, marketing, research, corporate responsibility and design. Its Insight & Engagement Group (CIE) includes digital specialist Watermelon, qual recruitment arm CherryPicked, fieldwork agency Facts International, and full service agency Opinion Leader. In July, the firm was acquired by WPP and Provident.

Walsh joins following a lengthy career at drinks giant Diageo, where he served as CEO for twelve years between 2000 and 2013, and earned £14.8m in his final year. During his career, he has also served as non-executive director at FedEx, Unilever, Control Data Corporation (and its successor Ceridian), Centrica and HSBC Holdings, and he previously sat on the Board of General Mills. In addition, he is Chair of the catering company Compass Group, and of Avanti Communications.

Chime CEO Christopher Satterthwaite comments: 'We are delighted that Paul will be joining Chime. He has unrivalled experience in growing businesses on an international scale and we will benefit greatly from this and his understanding of how sport, entertainment and communications can transform brands'.

Web site: www.chimegroup.com .