- Only 5% of PR professionals in the UK identify as Asian, and over 90% of directors are white.
- The PR industry employs over 63,500 people in the UK, adding £16.7bn to the UK economy.
- Farzana’s will bring a strong focus on innovation, AI, and future-proofing careers.
Farzana Baduel Chart.PR, Hon FCIPR, and FCIM will be the 2026 President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR). She will become President-elect in 2025, having stood unopposed in the 2024 Election.
The public relations industry employs over 63,500 people in the UK and 300,000 globally, adding £16.7bn to the UK economy and a projected contribution of $180bn globally. However, a recent report from the CIPR found that a lack of diversity was holding back skills and recruitment into the profession.
Farzana is the first British Muslim elected to the role and has been actively engaged in championing diversity and inclusion within the sector. Earlier this year, she co-founded the Asian Communications Network to address the underrepresentation of British Asians in communications.
She will succeed the 2025 President, Advita Patel. The CIPR’s new Independent Chair of the Board is due to be announced later in the month.
Farzana commented: “It is an honour to be named as President. I look forward to representing members and ensuring the Institute is successful and forward-facing, with a focus on key areas, including artificial intelligence and future-proofing our careers. This is a vital time for businesses, and I will work hard to represent the voice of the profession as we uphold our responsibility to serve society, continue our journey of professionalism, and get the respect we deserve globally.”
CIPR President Rachael Clamp said: “Big congratulations to Farzana on being named President-elect. Her commitment, leadership, and global perspective are exactly what the CIPR needs, and I know our members will value her vision. I’m excited to collaborate with her on the Board next year and can’t wait to see the incredible impact she’ll have on the Institute in the years ahead.”
It was the hope of the Board that the updated role of President as a result of our recent governance changes would bring new volunteers forward, adding to the rich pool of talent and energy we have across the 400 amazing volunteers we have today. Farzana is going to be brilliant.”