McCann’s Richard Aldiss Named New IPA City Head for Manchester and the North West

McCann Manchester managing director, Richard Aldiss, has been appointed as the new IPA City Head for Manchester and the North West.

In his role, Richard will serve as a figurehead for the industry in the North West, championing the outstanding talent in the advertising community and providing a voice for IPA members in the area. He will also work closely with IPA Chair for England & Wales, Michelle Wright on wider industry issues, IPA initiatives and helping to position agencies to successfully rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Commenting on the appointment, Patrick Mills, director of membership and professional development, IPA said: “I’m thrilled that Richard will be joining us as the new City Head for Manchester and the North West. Navigating the economic uncertainty and the impact on both business and individuals will be one of the most important goals for our industry this year, and Richard will play a vital role in helping us to serve our members in 2021 and beyond.”

Says Richard Aldiss, managing director, McCann Manchester: “Having spent 30 years in the industry, now feels the right time to be able to support and give something back to the agency community in Manchester and its surrounding region. In the wake of 2020 and the turbulence and uncertainty it presented, agencies both large and small will be looking for guidance and support over the coming 12 months and the IPA can play a key role here.

He continued: “As Simon Jones, hands over the baton I’m looking forward to building on the excellent work he has done particularly in creating more opportunities for diverse talent to enter our industry.”

Richard succeeds Wavemaker Manchester’s Simon Jones who has served in the role since 2018.

Appointed managing director at McCann Manchester in 2017, Aldiss has been with McCann for 30 years. Joining the Manchester agency in 1997 as a media group head after an eight-year stint at the network’s Birmingham office, he has held a number of leadership roles at the 380 strong agency including head of channel planning.

During his journey with McCann he has worked with clients in just about every conceivable sector. As MD he is board level lead across clients including Magnet Kitchens, Smyths Toys, Miller Homes, Key Retirement and Irish Ferries.

Having lived and worked in the North West for the majority of his life, Aldiss is very familiar with the creative landscape in Manchester and the wider region and passionate about the cosmopolitan city maintaining its position as a vibrant hub owning creative excellence.