Caroline Kinsey has won the race to become inaugural chairman of the PR Council, after winning a closely-fought election contest with Stephen Waddington.

The Cirkle CEO beat her opposite number at Speed Communications by “a handful of votes” to chair the body which has been created to consult with the industry's most senior practitioners on the issues PR faces and to inform the future direction of the PRCA.

 

With over 20 years of PR and marketing experience, both agency and in-house, Kinseyfounded Cirkle in 1998 and has since built it into a Top 130 PR agency with a £2m turnover. Her vice-chairman on the council will be Alex Aiken, director of communications and strategy at Westminster City Council, and secretary will be Adrian Brady, CEO of Eulogy!

 

"I'm delighted to have been elected as chairman,” said Kinsey. “I'm looking forward to working with fellow members to help elevate the profile, reputation and respect shown to the PR industry. I think this body of seasoned PR consultants can help to deliver real change and develop blueprints to build best-in-class practices."

 

Francis Ingham, chief executive of the PRCA, added: "Caroline’s dynamism and drive will make this new role a decisive voice within the industry. I have held her in the highest regard for years, and it will be a pleasure now to work together."