COI in search for a non-exec director

COI Communications is hunting for a non-executive director to sit on its management board to advise Whitehall on delivering effective communications.

The role, which will pay £15,000 to £20,000, will involve adding value to government publicity programmes. The COI is one of the highest spenders on advertising in the UK, and last year spent more than retail giants Tesco and Marks & Spencer combined.

It spent £137m in 2006, making it the third largest advertiser in Britain after Procter & Gamble and Unilever.

The non-executive director will sit alongside Marilyn Baxter, who was appointed to the role in 2003. Baxter, the chairman of research company Hall & Partners and formerly of Saatchi & Saatchi, works with COI chief executive Alan Bishop and deputy chief executive Peter Buchanan. He acts as an adviser on all matters ranging from the organisation of COI to maintaining quality client services.

Sources close to the COI say that the role is unlikely to be advertised if a “suitable” candidate with an advertising background is found to sit on the seven-strong management board.

A similar post was previously held by John Bartle, the founder of Bartle Bogle Hegarty.

COI reports to the Minister for the Cabinet Office. The Minister is accountable to Parliament and its Select Committees for all COI’s activities.

The Minister also sets COI’s annual objectives for efficiency, quality and financial performance.