Ex-CIM finance chief in line to succeed Gostick

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) chairman Paul Gostick is stepping down later this year as his term comes to an end.

It is understood the front-runner to replace him is Chris Lenton, the former finance director at CIM. He was made joint chief executive in 2002 with the then education director Heather Davidson before the appointment of controversial chief executive Peter Fisk in 2003. Fisk left in 2004 after just 13 months following a major restructure of the organisation (MW March 8, 2004).

adventures Gostick is the longest-running chairman of the organisation and has been at the helm for over three years. He took over the role in May 2004 replacing Tess Harris, who left after only six months. Gostick was brought in to serve her term and was later elected to run his two-year term. It is understood that Lenton left CIM along with the then finance director Geoff Wilson as part of a cost-saving drive in 2003. It is not clear when Lenton returned to CIM.

CIM declined to comment on the appointment of Lenton but it is thought that the formal announcement will be made at CIM’s annual general meeting in January.

CIM is an international body for marketing and business development, offering training, qualifications and resources.