Fisk to step down as CIM chief executive

Chartered Institute of Marketing chief executive Peter Fisk is leaving the organisation after just 13 months. It is thought that his departure is the result of an imminent restructure, which will see his responsibilities split.

The restructure follows a change in the status of the organisation in January 2002, when it became a charity. As a result, the CIM was required to divide itself into commercial and non-commercial/charity divisions. However, the international board of trustees appointed to lead the organisation to charitable status failed to restructure the CIM at the time.

Insiders close to the situation say that the Charity Commission has signalled to the CIM’s auditors the need for rapid compliance, with the prospect of a high-profile inquiry if it is not forthcoming.

The CIM’s new structure is expected to be put in place by June.

Since his appointment last February, Fisk has been busy trying to implement a raft of reforms in order to reposition the organisation as a hub for senior marketers (MW January 16, 2003). His actions led to a significant number of the CIM’s staff deciding to join the trade union Amicus (MW October 2, 2003).

Members have been upset by the revelation that CIM lost almost &£1m in the year to June last year (MW November 27, 2003). At the CIM’s AGM, held before Christmas, former chairman John Edmond called for a vote of no confidence in Fisk and the board of trustees (MW January 8). The board rejected the motion, owing to insufficient notice.

Fisk declined to comment as Marketing Week went to press.