The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has elected Rachel Friend, CEO of UK & Ireland, Weber Shandwick, as its 2020-2022 chairman, following a vote at this year’s AGM.

Friend is responsible for Weber Shandwick’s network of offices across the UK. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she has spearheaded marketing and communications campaigns some of the world’s leading brands.


Friend will succeed Jim Donaldson when his term as chairman concludes in the autumn of 2020. Francis Ingham, director-general of the PRCA says,
 “It’s a sign of the PRCA’s strength and size that someone of Rachel’s global standing will become our chairman in 2020. In following Jim Donaldson, she will oversee the next phase of the PRCA’s story, as we build on our status as by far the world’s largest and most dynamic PR association.”

Friend adds, 

“I am pleased to take on the role of chairman of the PRCA. We are living through a period of unprecedented change; politics, sustainability, diversity, technology. Our industry must continue to evolve at a rapid pace to engage audiences. I’m very much looking forward to working with the PRCA to fuel the change.”