The IPA has announced the appointment of former St Luke’s Managing Director Ed Palmer as Director of Agency Value. His appointment comes at a critical time, as agencies face growing pressure to articulate their value, evolve commercial models and build stronger, more effective client relationships. Palmer succeeds Joyce Kelso in the role, following her retirement.
Starting on 2 February, Palmer will lead the organisation’s Commercial Pillar. In his role, he will bring together senior leaders from IPA member agencies to shape best practice across commercial leadership, new business, client relationships, finance and sustainability. He will ensure that the work is practical, innovative and aligned with the IPA’s broader mission to support agencies.
Palmer brings with him deep, first-hand experience of agency leadership acquired over his nearly three decades in the business. He spent ten years as Managing Director of independent creative agency St Luke’s, where he oversaw a period of sustained success and cultural strength. Prior to St Luke’s, he held senior roles at Leo Burnett, TBWA and M&C Saatchi, rising to positions including Business Director, Head of Account Management and Managing Partner.
A long-standing supporter of the IPA, Palmer has previously co-chaired the Client Relationship Group and helped St Luke’s achieve CPD Platinum accreditation for four consecutive years, underlining his commitment to professional development and industry standards.
Commenting on his appointment, Ed Palmer said:
“The IPA is a treasure trove of content, training, tools, awards, advice and thought leadership. Like the Sgt. Pepper album cover, the more you look into it, the more gems you uncover. I’ve been lucky enough to benefit from its resources throughout my entire career, and I’ve absolutely loved supporting its work from the agency side. St Luke's is an incredible agency that will always hold a special place in my heart, but the chance to do it on a full-time basis was an opportunity too good to miss.”
Welcoming the appointment, IPA Director General Paul Bainsfair, says:
“We are delighted to welcome Ed to the IPA. He brings an exceptional depth of senior agency experience, a strong track record in commercial leadership, and a long-standing commitment to the IPA and its mission. His expertise will be invaluable for our agencies as they continue to navigate a tough trading environment.”
Ed Palmer biography
Ed has nearly three decades of agency experience, including 10 years as managing director of independent creative agency St Luke’s. During that time the agency has been shortlisted for Campaign’s agency of the year four times, named in their Best Places to Work list seven years in a row, and was named as one of the twenty best agencies of all time.
Prior to St Luke’s, Ed has worked at Leo Burnett, TBWA and M&C Saatchi, where he rose through the ranks to be business director, head of account management and managing partner. Along the way, he’s led the double Gold IPA Effectiveness Award-winning travel demand management programme for the London 2012 Olympics, as well as overseeing numerous award-winning campaigns for Heinz, NatWest, TfL and the DfT. He’s been a keen supporter of the IPA, having co-chaired the Client Relationship Group, and helping St Luke’s to become a CPD platinum accredited agency four years in a row. In his spare time, he’s the occasional drummer in a band and collects nerdy facts about London history.
Last updated 22 January 2026