12 February 2008

The Advertising Association announced today that Rupert Howell has been elected Vice-Chairmen and Director. Managing Director of ITV Brand and Commercial since November 2007, Rupert will take up his new Advertising Association role with immediate effect.

Rupert secured his first job in advertising at the Ogilvy group in 1979. Two years later he joined Grey and then Young & Rubicam, where he became London’s most successful New Business Director. In October 1987 he founded his own agency, Howell Henry Chaldecott Lury, which was sold ten years later to Chime Communications plc and Rupert became Joint CEO. Rupert was also President of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising for 2000/2001.

In October 2003 Rupert joined the world’s largest advertising agency McCann Erickson as President EMEA and Chairman UK & Ireland Group, with a seat on the Worldwide Board. Two years later he added the title of Regional Director EMEA.

Rupert Howell said: “The AA does invaluable work in our industry, not least defending the freedom to advertise, which is so essential for a successful economy. That’s why I’m delighted to be getting more involved with The AA and its excellent DG Baroness Peta Buscombe”.

Advertising Association Chief Executive, Baroness Peta Buscombe said: “I am delighted Rupert is coming on board. His tremendous breadth of experience in the industry, coupled with his amazing ‘can do, will do’ approach means that he is extremely well placed to make a terrific contribution to the work of the Advertising Association.”