The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has announced today that Stephen Waddington was voted by CIPR Members to be the next Chartered Practitioner President in 2014.

The choice was highly debated among not only CIPR members, but also within the wider public relations community. Stephen, who currently is an executive board member and chair of the policy and campaigns committee at CIPR, received 68% of the votes.

Waddington won the election against Dr Jon White, a member of the CIPR Council and a named practitioner and professional within research and academia.

He based his elections campaign in promises to improve CIPR within the community, by supporting and promoting leadership in areas such as diversity, social media, public affairs and internal communication, ensuring that members have a leadership voice in their relevant communities in the CIPR regions whilst actively engaging with the council.

He also promised to promote excellence and Continuing Professional Development (CDP), as well as to outline the benefit of public relations to the UK. Additionally, he aims to foster relationships with organizations in advertising, digital, marketing and public relations and continue supporting diversity groups and engage with students and the wider public.

After hearing the news, the European social media and digital director at Ketchum said: "The CIPR as the professional body representing public relations in the UK and further afield stands at a moment in time. We have a real opportunity to assert our value as a management discipline that enables organisations to engage in a two-way conversation, and ultimately a relationship, with audiences both internal and external."

CIPR chief executive, Jane Wilson commented: “Stephen is a superb choice and I know he will lead the CIPR very effectively in championing the public relations profession, advancing professional standards and engaging with CIPR members on a national and international scale. I wish him every success.”