New chairman for IBC Partnership Board

IBC’s governance is overseen by a board, made up of representatives from each of the six partner organisations which own IBC. Now it has been announced that Tim Richards is to take over as chair of this Partnership Board from Mike Martin, who retires at the end of 2014.

Richards is a partner in the business improvement consultancy Ravensbeck, which specialises in the media. As such, he is well-connected across the industry, with both vendors and broadcasters. In the past he has worked directly in broadcasting, including 10 years as executive vice-president for Walt Disney Television International. Richards started his career as a freelance photographer and independent producer, and has subsequently worked around the world in operational, management and consulting roles.

“I am thrilled to be taking up this challenging role at such a successful and exciting time for IBC,” says Richards. “The media industry is changing dramatically, and IBC is at the heart of those changes. I am very keen to get involved with the plans IBC has for its future, and I am really looking forward to working alongside the whole IBC community: its staff, its committees and supporters, and the industry it serves.”

IBC CEO Michael Crimp comments: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure a chairman of the calibre of Tim. We have begun a plan to expand the IBC brand as the media industry undergoes its transformative changes, through initiatives such as IBC Content Everywhere. Tim’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable to all of IBC’s stakeholders.”

Richards’ appointment follows the announcement that current chairman Mike Martin is to retire after six years in the role. Martin says: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my association with IBC, not just as chairman but right back to the days when I was an exhibitor on the show floor. IBC is in great shape, and remains clearly relevant to our industry. We have just had our most successful event ever, with more than 55,000 attendees. I wish Tim, and Michael, well in guiding IBC in the future. It has been my great pleasure and privilege to serve the whole of this amazingly creative and innovative media industry.”