MRS launches Leaders Forum

The network, called the MRS Leaders Forum 2025, aims to be an intimate and exclusive network providing a space for senior leaders to extend their understanding and skills while also being frank about the challenges they face.

The forum will also allow members to explore new sector-specific ideas and connect with other agency leaders and entrepreneurs.

The year-long programme will begin with MRS’s Agency Owners & Leaders Conference on 21^st November 2024 followed by three more Leaders Forum meetings held throughout 2025, as well as a networking lunch at MRS Annual Conference in March.

The forums will combine expert presentations, panel sessions and round table discussions, with each forum including a peer advisory discussion session and following the Chatham House rule.

Members can also connect with a peer-to-peer mentoring network, which will last beyond the year-long programme.

James Endersby, chair at MRS and chief executive at Opinium, said: “It can be tough at the top, and lonely too, and that’s why this MRS Network for Agency Leaders is an absolute must for anyone leading an agency and wanting to continue to develop and grow personally and professionally.

“I hope as many agency leaders from across our diverse sector sign up so we can all continue to work on ourselves, and at the same time, take our sector to even greater heights.”

Jane Frost, chief executive at MRS, said: “People who face the same problems, have experience of similar issues and face the challenges of seniority and leadership can all benefit from a shared ‘safe space’ to exchange ideas, access a bit of peer mentoring or simply be part of a peer network.

“MRS is uniquely placed to be able to provide such a network for the most senior agency leaders. I have benefited from such networks in my marketing career and know how useful they can be.”

Sinead Jefferies, senior vice-president of customer expertise at Zappi, MRS People & Talent programme lead and former MRS chair, said: “Last year’s inaugural Industry Leaders Summit was an incredible event – there was clearly huge power and impact in bringing this group of business leaders together.

“What really worked then – and what we’re hoping the forum will deliver – is that space to share ideas, talk about topics that are relevant to the running of a business in this sector, forge new relationships, and open up that peer to peer support. There’s a great line-up of topics on the agenda and I'm really looking forward to what this will bring to everyone who gets involved.”

Find out more about the MRS Leaders Forum 2025.