A trade body has appointed an experienced journalist and editor as its new president.
Birmingham Publicity Association (BPA) has welcomed Marc Reeves as its new figurehead for a two-year tenure.
Mr Reeves is Midlands marketplace publisher for Reach plc, the national media group which publishes local titles such as the Birmingham Post and Mail newspapers, BusinessLive and BirminghamLive along with the Daily Mirror and Daily Express.
He is also a former editor of the Birmingham Post and Birmingham Mail and editor-in-chief of the company's local media titles across the Midlands.
He takes over from Selena Higgins, a controller with broadcaster Sky, following a three-year stint as president and who will remain with the BPA council.
The association acts as a networking group for those working in the creative, media, marketing and advertising industries across Birmingham and the West Midlands and aims to deliver knowledge, networking and charity support through its calendar of events.
It has existed since the 1930s and its members include a broad spectrum of people from all levels who work for everything from global organisations to sole traders.
Its current chosen charity is Acorns Children's Hospice, which runs three centres for young people with life-limiting conditions in the West Midlands, and last year the BPA donated £5,000 to support its work.
Mr Reeves said: "As we emerge from what feels like a year or more of virtual hibernation, businesses need to reconnect with customers, establish awareness of what they do and rebuild relationships.
"That's precisely what members of the BPA do, from creative through to media, our members are here to help businesses tell their stories to consumers and clients.
"I see my role as helping the BPA create a platform that showcases the sector to the rest of the region, increases skills, nurtures collaboration and, of course, raises thousands for our chosen charities."
BPA chairman Mark McDonagh added: "It's fantastic for the BPA to welcome Marc on board as our president for the next two years.
"It almost goes without saying that he'll bring his wealth of experience, knowledge and wisdom to the role."
