IoD marketer poached by Start Creative

The Institute of Directors marketing director Jonathan Cummings has quit to join the board of Start Creative next month.

Cummings (pictured) leaves after ten years. At the IoD he has been instrumental in promoting the benefits of design to UK businesses.

‘Design is important to all business, whatever the size or sector. I have got to know the industry over the past three or four years and it has a great buzz,’ he says. ‘Start has a strong board team, but like many design groups it has grown because of its talent, rather than a strategic approach to its own marketing, which is what I can bring.’

Cummings takes on the role of marketing director, charged with developing Start’s business in the UK and overseas.

The IoD is replacing Cummings with Karen Jones, the organisation’s former head of product marketing, who is on maternity leave until September.

Start is already working with Jones to examine the IoD’s Alan Fletcher-designed brand identity. Following the completion of a brand audit last year, the consultancy is now looking at how the IoD might develop Fletcher’s creative work.

Start managing director Mike Curtis is undertaking a strategic review of how his consultancy operates and is aiming to set-up joint ventures with overseas groups. The group is currently exploring opportunities in India, after winning a major corporate identity project there for Essar.