The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) has welcomed a new leadership team. ICCO has appointed Elise Mitchell as its new president, who will be supported by new vice-president Nitin Mantri.

Mitchell is recognised as one of the USA’s top strategic communications and public relations professionals. She leads Mitchell Communications Group, which has achieved over 400% growth in the past four years, gaining the position of a Top 50 national PR firm. Mitchell previously held the role of vice-president of ICCO, which she held since 2015.

She replaces Maxim Behar, who became ICCO president in 2015.

Mantri is CEO and business partner at Avian Media and the co-founder of Chase India, a public policy and regulatory affairs firm. He is also the president of the Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI).

Francis Ingham, ICCO chief executive, says, “It is a great pleasure to welcome Elise as ICCO’s new president for the next two years; and to welcome Nitin as her successor for the years 2019-2021. ICCO is a truly international organisation, representing over 2,500 PR agencies based in 55 countries. That internationalism is reflected in its leadership, with an executive committee drawn from eight different countries."

He adds, “Each new President decides on their own priorities, and Elise and Nitin will be no exceptions. What unites them all however is their determination always to increase ICCO’s influence, authority, and services to our members. I know I speak for the whole of ICCO when I thank Maxim for the unparalleled style, professionalism, and enthusiasm he has shown over the past two years as President. It has been a unique pleasure to have worked with him so closely.”

Mitchell says, “Maxim has been a tireless advocate for ICCO for many years, but never more so than while serving as President. One of his most important contributions over the past two years has been spearheading a significant expansion of our membership. He has been and will continue to be a great ambassador for the organisation. I am honoured to serve as President of ICCO and look forward to working with industry leaders globally to advance our profession and help our members innovate, engage, and evolve in a transformational world.”