Porter to reduce his role at CPB

Coley Porter Bell chairman Colin Porter is to officially reduce his role to that of non-executive chairman, so he can devote more of his time to his position as chairman of the Design Business Association.

He will also spend more time developing Core Brand, a company formed with partners Sally Bell and Stephen Straker. Core Brand is based in the UK, with interests in South Africa, and has plans to develop its own brands. “I’m greatly motivated by [Terence] Conran and want to use my skills beyond pure design consultancy,” says Porter.

“I will still be an ambassador for CPB, with a strategic role,” he adds. But he will cease to chase new business for the consultancy and will no longer have a hands-on relationship with its clients.

Managing director Amanda Connolly says Porter’s role has been changing for some time due to his other commitments.

A number of new appointments have been made at CPB in response to Porter’s changing role. Former Design Bridge director Sue Whitaker has been appointed as director in charge, and will spearhead a drive for further international clients.

Corporate marketing consultant Milorad Adjer is joining the company as marketing director, with a brief to develop and implement a new marketing strategy. He will also aim to accelerate the company’s expansion overseas. And David Lightman, formerly of DIA, has been appointed as account director.

The international market is one CPB has been slow to exploit, but is now to be the prime focus for expansion, says Connolly. The group is already pitching for new overseas clients, she adds.