Simon Bollon, Founder and Managing Director of Boutique, and Penny Took, CEO of Mediaplus Connect, have been appointed as new IPA City Heads. Simon succeeds Alex Uprichard as IPA City Head for Leeds and Yorkshire, while Penny succeeds the late Gareth Evans as IPA City Head for Birmingham and the Midlands.
As City Heads, Simon and Penny will serve as figureheads and voices for the industry in their regions, championing the outstanding talent in the advertising community and driving collaboration, thought leadership and engagement. They will also work closely with the other IPA City Heads and Chairs for England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on wider industry issues and IPA initiatives.
Says Simon Bollon, Founder and Managing Director of Boutique and IPA City Head for Leeds and Yorkshire:
“The IPA plays a vital role in setting the high standards our industry aspires to and in supporting agencies across every aspect of their journey. I’m delighted to be able to contribute to that work. I’ve long believed that agencies thrive when they collaborate, share knowledge and support one another. That collective spirit is what creates a vibrant, resilient and truly robust industry. I’m excited to help champion that approach across Leeds and Yorkshire.”
Says Penny Took, CEO of Mediaplus Connect and IPA City Head for Birmingham and the Midlands:
“As part of a team that is already hugely proud to be Platinum-accredited by the IPA, I am excited to take on the role of City Head for Birmingham and The Midlands. I look forward to collaborating with regional colleagues, sharing ideas, and shining a spotlight on the exceptional talent, thinking and work coming out of our area.”
Commenting on the appointments, IPA Director of Membership Tom Mott said:
“I am delighted that Simon and Penny have agreed to be our new City Heads for Leeds and Birmingham, and I am excited to work with them in the coming months. They will play key roles in helping us grow and support the vibrant agency communities in their regions. I would like to also thank Alex for her dedicated service during her time as City Head for Leeds and Yorkshire.
On a personal note, we were all devastated by the recent news of Gareth’s passing. He was a much-loved member of the IPA family and will be missed dearly by so many."
Find out more about IPA Chairs and City Heads
Simon Bollon:
Simon is Founder and Managing Director of Boutique, a multi-discipline agency based in Leeds. His career began in the gaming industry before he moved into the agency world in the early 2000s, working across media strategy and planning roles. In 2014, he took the leap to establish Boutique, bringing together his agency experience and entrepreneurial drive to create an agency rooted in the region.
As a passionate member of the Leeds and Yorkshire agency community, Simon is committed to supporting a thriving, cohesive regional ecosystem. He brings enthusiasm and leadership to his role as IPA City Head, advocating for local agencies, fostering connection, and promoting collaboration across the region
Penny Took:
Penny Took is CEO of Mediaplus Connect, a media agency specialising in behavioural insights to create brand-connecting media that drives transformative results. She leads the Birmingham-based agency, part of Serviceplan Group’s House of Communication UK, helping emerging brands thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
With over 40 years’ experience in the media industry, Penny brings a rare depth of perspective on both the challenges facing the sector and the unique opportunities within the regions. Her career began in theatre before moving into advertising.
A proud Brummie, Penny is a strong advocate for the Midlands’ rich and diverse talent pool. In her role as IPA City Head, she is committed to championing local agencies, strengthening regional connections, and raising the profile of the Midlands across the wider UK industry.
Last updated 06 January 2026