Douglas Smith Hon FCIPR
It is with great sadness that the CIPR wishes to inform members of the passing of Past President and Honorary Fellow Douglas Smith.
Doug, who served as IPR President in 1990, was one of few people to have also been Chairman of the Public Relations Consultants Association and President of the European Association of Public Relations Consultants (CERP). He was also the first Chairman of the Government Affairs Group.
His career included working as a press officer on Ted Heath's team when, as Lord Privy Seal, he was seeking Britain's entry into the European Community. He gave 25 years’ continuous service in local government in Hornsey, becoming its Housing Chairman and later on Haringey Council.
Doug was Head of Public Relations for part of the British Insurance Association, Secretary of an all-party campaign to mark the 20th Anniversary of the UN, Associate Director (1968-71) of Planned Public Relations, the largest PR company in Europe at the time and later founder of one of Britain's earliest specialist government affairs consultancies. He remained involved in the CIPR, establishing the Maggie Nally Memorial Lecture, organising the annual Fellow’s Lunch and serving on the International Group Committee.
He received the PR Week Award for Lifetime Achievement and the Stephen Tallents Medal of the IPR.
He was a member of the MCC, the Foreign Press Association and a life member of Kent County Cricket Club upon whose committee he also served.
Doug was a great servant of the Institute and the industry. He was a big supporter of professional development through the IPR and other routes, encouraging the growth of qualifications and always taking time to engage with students and to give them the benefit of his many years of experience. He was a lively presence, always good company and always willing to offer help and advice. He will be greatly missed, not only by his contemporaries and peers, but by younger generations of professionals who benefited from Doug’s wisdom and good humour.
Douglas was one of the greats of the public affairs world. A character who was always fun to be with. We at CIPR Public Affairs particularly honour him as the first Chairman of the Government Affairs Group in 1987 which only in December we celebrated its 25th anniversary and Douglas kindly came along and toasted this special event with us before flying out to the Caribbean. He will be greatly missed by all those that knew him.
The CIPR, on behalf of all Fellows and Members, extends its deepest sympathy to Diana and to Doug’s Family.