IDM unveils Holder tribute event

The IDM has unveiled details of the tribute event for co-founder and managing director Professor Derek Holder, widely regarded as one of the most influential people in the industry and an inspiration to generations of direct marketers, who passed away on February 14.
“Professor Derek Holder: A Life Celebrated” will take place at London’s Royal Geographical Society on Friday July 6. There will be a service from 2:30-3:30pm, followed by refreshments until 5.00pm.
Since Holder passed away, the Institute has received hundreds of messages of support from right across the marketing profession. A dedicated Facebook page has more than 225 members and includes tributes from many of the DM industry’s top names.
Holder started his career at BOAC in 1970 as a management trainee, then worked at Ford, McGraw-Hill, and Reader’s Digest before joining academia by becoming first senior, then principal, lecturer at Kingston Poly Business School during the Eighties.
In 1987, he founded the Institute of Direct Marketing, creating the IDM Diploma in Direct Marketing – a qualification which is viewed as a ‘must-have’ for anyone in the industry, whether client, agency or supplier side.
IDM deputy managing director Neil Morris said: “The tributes, from seasoned marketers right through to those at the very beginning of their careers, are testament to the enormous and lasting contribution Derek made to the marketing profession and those wishing to enter it.
“Each one speaks of the high regard in which Derek was held and the affection he inspired. It’s only fitting that this tribute event should be a celebration of his life and his outstanding achievements.”
The event is open to all, though the IDM asks attendees to confirm in advance by email (tribute@theidm.com) or by telephone (020 8614 0200) so that places are guaranteed.