Since we launched in 2019, Mark Runacus MBE has led our organisation. Now, after four years at the helm of Outvertising, we are sad to announce that Mark is stepping down as our Joint-CEO.
Alongside a hugely successful career, Mark has been a tireless campaigner for the rights and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in advertising and instrumental in the formation and growth of Outvertising.
In Mark’s own words, Outvertising is “bigger and stronger than ever. And it needs to be. Because LGBTQIA+ prejudice still exists in adland. Sadly, I continue to hear stories of unacceptable behaviour, whether it’s that awful “office banter” or just downright exclusion. The AllIn survey showed clearly that the Queer community doesn’t always feel welcomed in our creative workplaces. There’s still much work to be done.”
His impact has been huge and we are all constantly inspired by the wisdom and passion he unfailingly shares. Whether it’s been steering the organisation through the COVID pandemic, or working with the Advertising Association and the IPA to make the All In Action Plan LGBTQIA+ inclusive, or co-hosting this year’s Outvertising Live alongside Joint-CEO Lucy McKillop, he has been a driving force in our efforts to make advertising and marketing completely LGBTQIA+ inclusive.
Perhaps most impactful of all has been Mark’s resolute commitment to graciously sharing his knowledge and time with people, addressing hundreds of agency and brand-side professionals via initiatives like the Outvertising Roadshow and mentorship partnerships with NABS, the industry’s charity for advertising and media industry’s wellbeing charity.
In the words of our Joint-CEO Lucy McKillop, “setting up Pride AM as was, now Outvertising, Mark has created something that’s become so much greater than the sum of its parts. I have learned so much, and been empowered to grow - all under Mark’s wing.”
It is a sentiment shared by all of us at Outvertising.
News of Mark’s successor will be announced soon.