Charles Ping steps down at Fuel to seek new challenge

ping2Fuel chairman Charles Ping has quit the Engine-owned data and analytics consultancy to seek a fresh challenge, just six months after being promoted to head up the agency’s international expansion.

Ping joined Fuel in 2012 from Communisis, succeeding Simon Wall as chief executive; he was promoted to chairman in August last year when the agency hired former Callcredit marketing services boss Will Lowe as CEO.

A highly respected figure in the marketing industry, Ping sits on the DM Commission and has been a non-executive director of the Advertising Standards Board of Finance since 2004. He was also chairman of the DMA between 2004 and 2006.

Ping started his career at the Financial Times before moving to the Guardian News & Media as direct marketing manager, ultimately becoming head of CRM, with responsibility for all direct and data strategy for the group.

He left in 2008 and joined Ai Data Intelligence just months before it was bought by Communisis for £12.6m.

On LinkedIn, Ping said: “After 6 happy years as chief executive and subsequently chairman at Fuel I’m leaving at the end of the month. It’s been enormous fun and a privilege to work with such a great bunch of people – that includes staff and clients.

“Data in its many forms is now front and centre of marketing (and life). GDPR has created a great opportunity for intelligent brands to shift their relationship with customers. It’s the legal manifestation of changing consumer attitudes and technological developments. I’m looking forward to helping those that want to maximise the moment and drive value.”

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