Annie Swift named ISP chief executive

Annie Swift, former publishing director of the marketing and new media divisions of Centaur Media, has been appointed chief executive of the Institute of Sales Promotion.

It is the first time the ISP, founded in 1933, has opted to appoint a chief executive. Formerly, the top permanent position was that of director general, a post held by Edwin Mutton, who retired recently.

“Annie’s appointment reflects changes in the business of trade associations, which are now operating in a more competitive and commercial environment,” says Clive Mishon, chairman of the ISP. “Our brief was to find someone who already had a profile in the marketing industry and who could not only provide leadership but help change people’s perceptions of sales promotion and the ISP,” he adds.

Swift’s previous experience in publishing includes lengthy stints as publisher of Precision Marketing and Marketing Week, both owned by Centaur Media. She left Centaur last February.

Swift says: “The sales promotion industry, regardless of channel, is a major contributor to the UK economy. I just hope I can do those working in the sector the justice they deserve by continuing to raise the profile of sales promotion across a variety of audiences.”

Swift takes up her new post on June 2.