James Hewes announces his departure from FIPP

Hewes has announced he will depart FIPP in January to take up the CEO role at the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), the world’s largest professional PR body.

James Hewes said: “Having been involved with FIPP for almost 20 years, firstly as a delegate, then more recently as a board member, it has been one of the great privileges of my life to lead FIPP as CEO for the last 6 years,” he said. “I’ve had the benefit of working with a great team, who I will miss dearly, and together I’d like to think that we’ve delivered meaningful change and built a new FIPP that is fit for the future.”

“My time at FIPP will be marked by our response to the Covid crisis – as it will for any of us who lived through that strange and difficult period. I am particularly proud of the way we responded to that situation, with a combination of great teamwork and innovative thinking seeing us through.

“Although I’m going off to a new – but not too distant – industry, my heart will always remain in media, and I hope to still be a part of this fantastic business for many years to come. As I leave, I’d like to thank all the people who made my time at FIPP so special – my fantastic team, our partners at Mx3, our FIPP board and committee members and the five fantastic FIPP chairs I’ve had the honour of working with – it’s been a pleasure.

“FIPP celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, I hope that I’ve managed to play a small part in ensuring that it will enter its second century ready to take on the challenges of our rapidly evolving market.”

Yulia Petrossian Boyle, FIPP chair, said: “With a deep-rooted genuine passion for the publishing industry and his exceptional insights into its evolution and future, James has been FIPP’s driving force (of nature!), enabling countless FIPP members to forge most rewarding deals and global relationships, and modernising FIPP along the way.

“While James’s departure represents a significant loss for FIPP, I am thrilled for him and for PRCA where James will undoubtedly unlock limitless innovative opportunities and incredible new alliances of value. I feel fortunate for the chance to work alongside James and have relished every moment of our partnership.”