Andrew Irving Associates Names New MD

After more than 14 years with UK public sector specialist Andrew Irving Associates (AIA), Nicky Spicer has been promoted to the position of Managing Director.

Most recently, Spicer worked as Joint MD of the agency alongside Andrew Irving. She joined the firm in 1994, and during her career, her focus has been on clients in the public and not-for-profit sectors, where AIA specialises in sensitive topics and hard-to-reach individuals and groups.

Prior to this, she set up her own research company after completing her degree in Microbiology at Liverpool University.

Simon Dannatt, CEO of parent marketing services group Optimisa comments: 'Nicky's substantial experience will stand the company in very good stead and she is excellently positioned to lead the group's public sector offering in collaboration with sister company Quaestor and quantitative specialists Buckingham Research.'

Andrew Irving will continue as President of the company, working with Spicer and the team to support key client relationships.

Optimisa acquired AIA in 2006.

Web sites: www.optimisaplc.com and www.aiaresearch.co.uk .