Armadillo’s James Ray Named IPA Chair for England & Wales

James Ray, chief executive officer of Armadillo, has been appointed as the new IPA chair for England and Wales following the IPA Council meeting on Thursday 19th September. He succeeds Richard Aldiss, formerly of McCann Manchester, in the role.

As IPA chair for England & Wales, James will act as a figurehead for IPA member agencies in England (outside London) and in Wales, working closely with the team of IPA City Heads to champion the outstanding talent in the advertising community and support Josh Krichefski’s People First agenda as IPA president. James’ agenda as IPA chair for England & Wales will be announced in 2025.

Since 2022, James has served as IPA city head for Bristol, Cardiff and the South West, providing a voice for IPA members in the area and helping the IPA to support agencies through challenging business conditions. His successor as city head for Bristol, Cardiff and the South West will be announced at a later date.

Says James Ray, chief executive officer, Armadillo and IPA chair for England & Wales, “I’m immensely proud to be taking the baton from Richard as the IPA Chair for England and Wales. In a time of both opportunity and challenge for the marketing and advertising industry, I’m looking forward to supporting our fantastic group of City Heads, as we work to channel the IPA’s support for our member agencies outside of London.”

Commenting on the appointment, IPA director of membership Tom Mott said, “I’m delighted that James Ray will be the new IPA Chair for England & Wales. He has been an excellent supporter and champion of our members in Bristol, Cardiff and the South West during his time as City Head and I have no doubt he’ll bring the same commitment and passion to his new role as Chair for England & Wales. I’d also like to thank Richard for all his efforts during his tenure.”