Story’s Jim Kelly elected as IPA Chair for Scotland

At a Special Meeting of the IPA Council on 27 March, Story’s Deputy MD Head of Planning, Jim Kelly, was appointed as the new IPA Chair for Scotland.

In this two-year role, Jim will represent Scottish IPA members at the IPA Council, raising their profile, fostering a sense of community and encouraging them to realise the benefits of membership. 

That all sounds very exciting, so we asked him to tell us more.

Q: Why is this appointment important to you? 

JK: I’ve never underestimated what the IPA can contribute for individuals and for agencies. I was lucky to experience the benefits of IPA membership from the start of my career. As a graduate trainee in London, the IPA gave me a grounding in best practice, and endless food for thought, that proved invaluable outside of my day-to-day job. It gave me the opportunity to learn from industry luminaries as well as fantastic opportunities to interact and socialise with fellow newbies. 

Q: Why is the IPA in Scotland important?

JK: The pillars on which the IPA is built and holds itself accountable – Commercial excellence, Effectiveness and improving Diversity – have never been more relevant to agencies and client-side businesses alike. The IPA is here to support its Scottish members in their day-to-day operations and with their longer term ambitions. I want to make sure that members in Scotland are getting the most out of their memberships to give themselves every possible opportunity to flourish. 

Q: How will you be supporting the new IPA President’s Agenda?

JK: Karen [Martin] launched her Presidency with a rousing call to arms to celebrate and nurture creativity.She’s right to do that – we work in an industry where creativity can make all the difference and provide us with a crucial competitive advantage. Part of my agenda will be to champion creativity so it’s as relevant as possible to members in Scotland.   

Q: Did you have to do an audition to get elected?

JK: Yes, I had to recite a Rabbie Burns poem in my best Ayrshire accent. (Please note the date of publication…) 

Alongside his leadership and planning roles within Story and across the MISSION Group, Jim plays an active role in the Scottish marketing community. In addition to his new involvement at the IPA, Jim is a Fellow of The Marketing Society Scotland and was the society’s 2014 Agency Star of the Year. 

Story has been an IPA member since 17 March 2016.