The DMA's chief of membership and brand, Robert Keitch, has announced that he will be stepping down from the role at the end of this month.

Keitch will continue his day-to-day duties until the end of March and will serve as the organisation's media spokesman through to July.

His daily responsibilities will be shared between the DMA's directors and senior staff until a successor is appointed later this year.

Keitch has been regarded as the public face of the organisation since he was promoted to chief of membership and brand in 2009. He had previously been the DMA's director of media channel development and environmental affairs for three years.

"I'm proud of what I've achieved in setting the DMA on a steady course of change that will ensure it can continue to represent the interests of the direct marketing industry today and far into the future," Keitch said. "However, after four years at the DMA it's now time for me to turn my hand to new challenges."

DMA chairman David Metcalfe added: "Robert's passion, experience and depth and breadth of knowledge has made him a tremendous asset to the DMA.

"We are extremely grateful for everything he has achieved in his four years with us. While we are sorry to see him step down, we respect his decision and wish him all the best in all future pursuits."