The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has appointed Stephen Waddington FPRCA as its latest fellow.

Waddington is partner and chief engagement officer at Ketchum after joining in 2015. He remains visiting professor in practice at Newcastle University and is chairman of its Future Proof policy unit.

Having originally trained as a journalist, Waddington chose to pursue a career in public relations, during which time he co-founded and run two award-winning public relations agencies – Rainier PR and Speed, in 1998 and 2009 respectively. Waddington was also president of the CIPR in 2014, during which time he helped return the organisation to its roots of professionalism as set out in its Royal Charter.

The news follows Waddington being awarded the ‘Outstanding contribution award’ at the PRCA's Digital Awards earlier this month.

PRCA fellowships are awarded to individuals who have made a major contribution to the PR and communications industry.

New fellows are invited to join on the unified recommendation of the chairman of fellows, the board chairman and the director general. Fellows are entitled to use the designatory letters FPRCA and help shape thinking on the future of the industry.

David Gallagher FPRCA, international president for growth and development for Omnicom Public Relations Group and chairman of the PRCA fellows, says, “Stephen is a tireless contributor, convener and provocateur on all matters social and digital, spurring efforts to innovate and evolve across the UK communications community. It’s a pleasure to see him added to the roster of PRCA fellows.”