Boutique chief and 'proud Brummie' net top IPA roles

The IPA has drafted in a fresh leadership team in the regions with new city heads for both Leeds and Yorkshire and Birmingham and the Midlands.

Boutique founder and managing director Simon Bollon succeeds Alex Uprichard as IPA city head for Leeds and Yorkshire, while Mediaplus Connect chief executive Penny Took succeeds the late Gareth Evans as IPA city head for Birmingham and the Midlands.

In their new roles, Bollon and Took will serve as figureheads and voices for the industry in their regions, championing talent and driving collaboration, thought leadership and engagement.

They will also work closely with the other IPA city heads and chairs for England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on wider industry issues and IPA initiatives.

Bollon began his career in the gaming industry before moving into the agency world in the early 2000s and launching Boutique in 2014, said: “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.”

Meanwhile, Took has over 40 years’ experience in the media industry, having begun her career in theatre before moving into advertising.

A “proud Brummie”, she 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.

Took said: “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.”

IPA director of membership Tom Mott said: “I am delighted that Simon and Penny have agreed be our new city heads. 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.

“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.”