IPA Appoints City Heads for Birmingham and Leeds

Simon Bollon, founder and managing director of Boutique, and Penny Took, CEO of Mediaplus Connect, have been appointed as new IPA city heads. Simon succeeds Alex Uprichard as IPA city head for Leeds and Yorkshire, while Penny succeeds the late Gareth Evans as IPA city head for Birmingham and the Midlands.

As city heads, Simon and Penny will serve as figureheads and voices for the industry in their regions, championing the outstanding talent in the advertising community and driving collaboration, thought leadership and engagement. They will also work closely with the other IPA city heads and chairs for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on wider industry issues and IPA initiatives.

Simon Bollon, founder and managing director of Boutique and IPA city head for Leeds and Yorkshire said, “The IPA plays a vital role in setting the high standards our industry aspires to and in supporting agencies across every aspect of their journey. I’m delighted to be able to contribute to that work. I’ve long believed that agencies thrive when they collaborate, share knowledge and support one another. That collective spirit is what creates a vibrant, resilient and truly robust industry. I’m excited to help champion that approach across Leeds and Yorkshire.”

Penny Took, CEO of Mediaplus Connect and IPA city head for Birmingham and the Midlands said, “As part of a team that is already hugely proud to be Platinum-accredited by the IPA, I am excited to take on the role of City Head for Birmingham and The Midlands. I look forward to collaborating with regional colleagues, sharing ideas, and shining a spotlight on the exceptional talent, thinking and work coming out of our area.”

Commenting on the appointments, IPA director of membership Tom Mott said, “I am delighted that Simon and Penny have agreed be our new city heads for Leeds and Birmingham and am excited to work with them in the coming months. They will play key roles in helping us grow and support the vibrant agency communities in their regions. I would like to also thank Alex for her dedicated service during her time as city head for Leeds and Yorkshire.

“On a personal note, we were all devastated by the recent news of Gareth’s passing. He was a much-loved member of the IPA family and will be missed dearly by so many.”