ICCO appoints new Interim CEO

Andras Sztaniszlav has been appointed as the Interim CEO for ICCO, taking up the position on 1^st January 2024. The appointment comes as part of a new strategy, creating a robust structure and future-proofing ICCO’s position as the leading membership body for PR associations and their agencies.

Andras began his career as a journalist before moving into PR and communications, spending most of his time as an independent strategic communications consultant. Over the last 20 years he has advised governments, corporations, startups, and not-for-profit organisations in multiple countries. Andras is a Chartered PR practitioner, a certified CMS agency auditor and recognised by the PRO.PR award. He has served voluntary roles for the CIPR, ICCO and is the President of the Hungarian PR Association (HuPRA).

Andras has been on the ICCO Board representing HuPRA since 2016 and served as Treasurer since October 2022. There has not been a CEO position at ICCO since the death of previous CEO Francis Ingham, in March 2023. The decision to appoint Andras was confirmed by the Executive Committee in December 2023 following an application process from ICCO Board of Management.

Recent rapid growth in new ICCO projects, events, services and strategic partnerships have led the Executive Committee to create a new business plan that will support these important partnerships with international institutions like the Council of Europe and the United Nations, as ICCO seeks to ensure PR professionals remain at the centre of global debate. A stronger office structure will reinforce development of new services and fresh membership growth.

In taking the Interim CEO role, Andras will step down as Treasurer. Alison Clarke, Principal, Alison Clarke Consulting, and ICCO board member representing UK association PRCA, will act as Interim Treasurer until the permanent CEO is appointed.

Andras Sztaniszlav said:

“I am so excited to join ICCO in a different position. This is a great network of agency leaders from around the world. With a solid foundation of members, staff, and initiatives, ICCO is well placed to become more influential internationally and champion the PR profession. I believe the growth lays on three pillars: professional development, membership services and organisational development. I am eager to start work on these with all our stakeholders”

ICCO President, Grzegorz Szczepanski said:

“Andras will be a fantastic asset to the organisation. Having demonstrated an excellent track record of delivering results, I know his leadership, vision, and energy will bolster the projects, services and outputs members expect from ICCO. With HuPRA he made a huge transformation and growth and I can’t wait to see him do it on a global scale”.