Lord Bell has decided to resign as chairman of Bell Pottinger with effect from 25 August.

This follows nearly 30 years since he founded the business in 1987. Lord Bell has decided he would like to step back from the day-to-day running of the business, but not to retire and from next year he will continue to provide his personal advice to clients through a new business, which he will be forming. The business respects the huge contribution he has made both to the PR industry and the brand he has built and hopes to continue to have ties with him as the founder of the business.

James Henderson, CEO of Bell Pottinger, says, "Tim has been the founder and driver of this business since he started it in 1987. We are grateful for all he has achieved for both the PR industry globally and in building Bell Pottinger into a household name. He does not intend to retire totally and next year will be setting up a strategic consultancy to be named Sans Frontières. He will always be the founder of this business and we will find ways of mutually working together with him in his new business where there are clients that need a combined expertise."

Mark Smith who is a non-executive director currently and has been involved with Bell Pottinger since its inception will become chairman with immediate effect. Smith’s connection to Bell Pottinger goes back to the company’s foundation, he was both CFO and COO of Chime plc. He played a major role in the flotation of Chime through a reverse takeover and its eventual sale to Providence Equity in 2015.