DPA create new post of Executive Head

10 Jan 2005

The Directory & Database Publishers Association, (DPA), today announced the appointment of a full-time executive head to provide commercial expertise and guidance as well as overseeing the day-to-day running of the association. The appointment of Christine Scott, with effect from today (10 Jan 2005), is a significant development for the DPA which is also setting up a permanent, fully-supported office in Holborn, central London. The move follows an in-depth review of the requirements of members to best meet future strategic and administrative needs and acknowledges that the directory and database industry is an expanding and increasingly complex one.  

Alan Philipp, Chairman of the DPA, said: “I’m delighted that Christine is joining us in the new role of executive head, to help take us forward at a significant time in the DPA’s development. Her role will provide us with vital expertise in helping us best represent and safeguard the needs of the modern directory and database industry amid increased change and complexity.” 

Christine joins the DPA from the International Federation of the Periodical Press (FIPP) who share offices with the Periodical Publishers Association (PPA). In parallel with her appointment, the DPA has signed an agreement with the PPA for it to host a permanently-manned office for the DPA. The new office will be located in the main PPA office in Holborn, but the DPA will remain an independent organisation.

Over the next few months the directors of the DPA will work with Christine on implementing strategy agreed by the DPA board following the review of members’ requirements last year, with a view to further improving services. As part of this process, there will be consideration of changing the name of the association, and a review of subscription rates. In addition, Christine also aims to meet as many members as possible to gain her own first-hand appreciation of their requirements.

One of her initial responsibilities will be organising and running the DPA annual conference in June. This is the highlight of the year and, for the first time for many years, will be held in London.

As important as the conference is the ability of members to meet at other times of the year, whether for training purposes or on a less structured basis. The DPA will therefore be reviewing the programme of events and activities that it runs and the ways in which it communicates to members and the wider community.

One sad aspect of the changes is that Rosemary Pettit will be leaving the DPA after more than 15 years to pursue other opportunities.

Mr Philipp said: “Rosemary has worked tirelessly for the association over the years and we all owe her a great deal of gratitude. We wish her all the best for the future and would like to thank her for all her work for directory and database publishers.”