Manchester-based Advita Patel, founder of CommsRebel, has stepped into her role as 2025 President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) – making history as the first person of colour to lead the organisation.
A respected leader in the comms world, Advita has dedicated her career to championing inclusivity, internal communications, and employee engagement. As the founder of Manchester consultancy CommsRebel she works with organisations to build thriving, inclusive cultures through effective communication. She is also the co-founder of A Leader Like Me, a global consultancy that helps organisations build a better understanding of inclusivity and culture and the co-founder of Asian Comms Network, a community created to support South and East Asian communication professionals in their careers.
Patel said: “The CIPR has been pivotal in shaping so many careers, including my own, and I am honoured to step into this role and lead an organisation that has given so much to the industry. The world is evolving rapidly, and we must ensure that PR keeps pace by creating a profession where everyone has a voice and a seat at the table.”
The public relations profession still faces a significant diversity challenge, with CIPR data showing that nine in ten UK PR practitioners are white, and 25% are privately educated – a figure four times higher than the UK national average. This lack of representation limits the profession’s ability to connect with the diverse communities it serves.
Patel added: “It’s no secret that there are barriers to entry and progression for underrepresented groups but this needs to be seriously explored. The CIPR’s own Race in PR report highlighted that Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse practitioners still do not have access to the same opportunities as their white colleagues. Many experience racism, microaggressions, unconscious bias, and rigid workplace cultures that limit career progression. This has to change, and as President, I’m committed to continuing the work needed to break down these barriers, so there’s space for everyone.”
Patel, who co-hosts the award-winning podcasts CalmEdgedRebels and A Leader Like Me: Amplifying Diverse Voices, will succeed 2024 President Rachael Clamp.
Alastair McCapra, chief executive of the CIPR, said: “Advita has embraced the role of President with her typical enthusiasm and passion, and there is great excitement among everyone to support her throughout the year. As an organisation, we are committed to a profession that welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wide range of talents and abilities to reflect the communities we serve. I am confident that under her leadership, we will collectively and confidently progress towards this goal while continuing to support our members in their professional journeys.”
Patel concluded: “I want to champion lifelong friction-free learning, confidence, and inclusivity in our profession so we can create a PR industry that truly reflects the world we live in today. Tough but necessary conversations around leadership, communication, and representation are at the heart of all my work, and I will make sure these discussions happen at the CIPR and beyond. I am also grateful to the dedicated volunteers who continue to drive change in this vital area.”
Patel served as the CIPR’s president elect during 2024 and will succeed the 2024 President, Rachael Clamp.
