CIPR announces candidates for 2027 President-Elect and Board elections
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has announced the candidates standing in its 2027 President-Elect and Board elections and confirmed eleven members elected to its Council.
Two candidates are standing for election as the CIPR's 2027 President-Elect:
- David Hamilton Chart.PR, FCIPR - Executive Director of Engagement, Marketing and Communications at the British Film Institute (BFI)
- Anne-Marie Lacey Chart.PR, FCIPR - Degree Programme Director and Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University
The successful candidate will serve as President-Elect in 2027 before becoming CIPR President in 2028 and Past-President in 2029. Candidate statements are available to read on the CIPR's website, and a virtual hustings will take place on 15 September from 12:00-13:00 BST where members can pose questions to David and Anne-Marie.
Five candidates are standing for two seats on the Institute's Board of Directors, for a term running from January 2027 to December 2029:
- Hajira Amla Chart.PR, MCIPR
- Adam Barrett MCIPR
- Paul Compton Chart.PR, MCIPR
- Aimee Postle Chart.PR, Dip CIPR
- Naomi MG Smith Chart.PR, FCIPR
Voting in both contested elections opens on 16 September 2026 and closes on 28 September 2026, with results expected on 1 October. Eligible CIPR members will receive voting instructions by email from Mi-Voice, the Institute's electoral services provider.
Eleven candidates stood for election to the CIPR Council. With fewer candidates than available seats, all eleven have been elected unopposed and will serve a term running from January 2027 to December 2028:
- Bridget Aherne Chart.PR, MCIPR
- Peter Campbell Chart.PR, MCIPR
- Catherine Condie Chart.PR, FCIPR
- Shaun Gibbons Chart.PR, MCIPR
- Andrew Hesselden MCIPR
- Lisa James Chart.PR, MCIPR
- John Mayne Chart.PR, MCIPR
- Paula McNulty Chart.PR, FCIPR
- Lorna Muir MCIPR
- Samantha Seewoosurrun Chart.PR, FCIPR
- Samantha Wilding Chart.PR, MCIPR
Many thanks to everyone that put themselves forward to support our work. These elections are always an important moment for the CIPR. They’re a vital part of our governance and members votes decide the direction and makeup of our senior leadership and the voices that will represent the profession over the coming years. That matters at any time but it matters especially now at a key stage in delivering our five-year strategy. I hope members fully engage with the process, read the candidates' statements, and cast their vote when the time comes.
- Register for the virtual hustings on September 15, 12:00-13:00BST.
- Read the candidate's statements.
About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations
Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the world's only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners with over 11,000 members.
The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).