New MRS President

The UK's Market Research Society (MRS) recently announced the appointment of Jeremy Bullmore CBE, former Chairman of J. Walter Thompson, as its next President. Bullmore will take up the role in Spring 2004, succeeding Professor Michael Thomas who began his tenure in 1999.

The MRS Presidency is an honorary position and the holder of the title works as an ambassador for the profession, often bringing experience from outside the industry to bear on key MRS policies.

The incoming President is well known as a speaker and as an author - he is a regular contributor to Campaign, Management Today and Market Leader and in 2003 published the third edition of his book Behind the Scenes in Advertising. He spent 33 years at London-based advertising agency, J. Walter Thompson, and has been a non-executive director of WPP since 1988. He was also a non-executive director of the Guardian Media Group for 10 years, Chairman of the Advertising Association from 1981-1987 and was awarded a CBE in 1985.

In a recent interview, Bullmore commented on current trends in the industry and its place alongside marketing and advertising: 'there is no suggestion that clients will come to want all of their research, advertising and marketing to be delivered by one umbrella agency. For all disciplines, clients will continue to demand the best quality and rock-like integrity. If a single umbrella can deliver both, across all disciplines, there may well be an ease-of-communications bonus; but that's what it will be - a bonus'.

According to Jennie Beck, Chairman of The MRS, 'Professor Michael Thomas has made an invaluable contribution to The MRS and the wider marketing industry during his five year tenure. He will be missed. However, I am sure that Jeremy Bullmore will prove an excellent successor and, at a time when the market research profession is undergoing rapid change, we will value his experience and leadership'.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.