Route MD James Whitmore Resigns for Health Reasons

In the UK James Whitmore, the MD of out-of-home (OOH) audience research body Route, is to step down for health reasons. Company Chair Katherine Almond is leading the search for a replacement.

Previously known as Postar (Poster Audience Research), Route publishes data to inform subscribers about how many and what type of people see an advertising campaign, and how often they do so. The organisation is underwritten by the industry, including specialist media agencies Kinetic Worldwide, Mediacom Outdoor, Posterscope, Rapport Worldwide and Talon Outdoor.

Whitmore joined Postar as MD in 2005, having previously been a founder of communications agency Experience, before which he was MD of Mediaedge:cia and Media Director at Young & Rubicam. In a statement, Whitmore said he had made his decision to stop work for health reasons. 'It will be sad to leave, but it's an exciting time for the business and I am confident that Route will continue to grow under strong leadership', he added.

The search for Whitmore's replacement will also include Chris Daines, Chair of the IPA's outdoor specialist, IPA Outdoor Group (IPAO) and Justin Cohcrane for Outsmart, the marketing body for the out-of-home advertising industry. Cochrane said Whitmore had 'massively advanced' the measurement of OOH media in the UK and even globally.

Web site: www.route.org.uk .