Simon Dodd, founder of The Digger Agency has become chairman of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) in the regions, with Bruce Hutton, group chief executive of Bray Leino chosen as deputy chairman.

The two will represent the opinions of the IPA’s regional members of the IPA council.

Dodd takes on the role as chairman, having spent the last two years serving as deputy to Mike Leeson.

Dodd commented:  “I’m very proud to become Regional Chairman of the IPA.  I feel very well placed to take on the role, having started my career in the regions, spent many years in top London agencies and returned to the regions a few years ago.  I feel passionately that our regional members deserve the fullest support from the IPA and over the next two years I intend to ensure that every member enjoys that.”

John Oldfield, director of membership, IPA: “The role of regional chairman and his deputy is to be a sounding board and voice to agencies outside the M25 in England and Northern Ireland.  In the last two years Mike Leeson has done a fantastic job and I am sure when Simon and Bruce take over they will be able to ensure that the voice of regional members is heard when Council meet to formulate IPA policy.”