In memoriam - IPA remembers former staff

David Wheeler FIPA

David Wheeler, who served as Director General of the IPA from 1978-1989, passed away at his home on 24 December.

Before joining the IPA, David was the Managing Director of Television Audience Measurement (TAM) and the associated Attwood/Nielsen research companies in Ireland and West Germany, and Managing Director of the Attwood Group. He then moved to J Walter Thompson as Media Director, while also serving as the Deputy Chairman of the British Market Research Bureau and Joint Managing Director of Portland Outdoor Advertising.

Says Tessa Gooding, Director of Communications, IPA: “David led the IPA through what are seen now as ‘the glory days’ of advertising. When commission was the norm, there were no advertising bans and agencies were producing work ‘on film’ that was the envy of the world. In his last year as DG he anticipated the tide was changing and with a team of Simon Broadbent and Charles Channon set up the IPA Advertising Effectiveness Awards. The first effectiveness scheme for the UK and which asked the industry to isolate the effect of advertising on business success. Nearly forty years on, this is probably his most important legacy.”

A celebration of his life will be held at St John’s Hyde Park on Friday 10 January at 12pm. All will be welcome back to a further celebration at The Victoria Pub in Tyburnia.

John Foster FIPA

John Foster joined the IPA in 1964 and served as Head of Creative Services until his retirement in 1991. He passed away peacefully on 1 January 2020 at the age of 93. John also authored a book on Effective Writing Skills for Public Relations.

Says Tessa Gooding, Director of Communications, IPA: “John was head of the IPA Creative Services output when I first arrived at the IPA. I learned a lot from him. He was always approachable and always a stickler for correct grammar and punctuation. We spent many hours visiting print works so I could look at first proofs with him as they came off the presses and so understand the ins and out of the printing processes which were his passion. John was pre-digital. And managing print in his era was a skill. When John retired, the IPA honoured him with a Fellowship in recognition of his services to the IPA. I know this was an award he was very proud of.”

Details of his funeral will be shared in due course.

Ray Cannon

Everyone at the IPA was saddened by the passing of the IPA’s Facilities Manager, Ray Cannon on 18 December after a short illness.

Survived by his wife and two daughters. Ray had worked at the IPA for 18 years, and was at the heart of everything behind the scenes at No. 44. He will be sorely missed.

A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday 25 January.