Chris Macdonald, Chairman of McCann Worldgroup London and CEO of McCann London, has been appointed Chair of the General Media Panel (GMP).

The GMP is an integral part of the advertising self-regulatory system. The panel provides invaluable advice and opinion to ASA, CAP and BCAP, offering an industry perspective on a range of regulatory subjects including the interpretation and application of the Codes, the drafting of Help Notes and revisions to the rules.

Chris Macdonald has worked in the London advertising industry for the past 21 years, starting as a graduate trainee at DMB&B in 1990. He has held leading roles at some of the most successful London agencies including: Lowe Howard-Spink, Publicis London, and RKCR/Y&R. Chris joined McCann London as Client Services Director in 2005, was promoted to Managing Director a year later and to CEO in 2008. In early 2011 Chris was given additional responsibility, being named Chairman of McCann Worldgroup in London.

Outgoing Chair, Farah Ramzan Golant CBE is the Executive Chairman of AMV BBDO and has chaired the GMP since 2007. She has overseen the panel during a period of significant regulatory development including the full review of the Advertising Codes and the extension of the ASA’s online remit. CAP and BCAP are very grateful for the dedication and expertise she brought to this crucial role.

Farah Ramzan Golant says: “It has been a privilege chairing the GMP; the panel contributes significantly to, and places industry at the heart of, the smooth running of the self-regulatory system. Chris brings a wealth of experience and an acute understanding of why industry’s commitment to legal, decent, honest and truthful is so important. I wish him well”.

Of his appointment, Chris Macdonald says: “I am excited about this opportunity; the GMP ensures that industry has a direct stake in key regulatory decisions by providing objective and expert opinion to ASA and CAP staff. I look forward to working with the panel, putting forward views from an industry perspective and working to maintain the continued effectiveness of ad self-regulation”.

Chris will take up his role in the Spring.

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