Chime appoints Paul Walsh as chairman

Sport, entertainment and comms group Chime Communications has named Diageo’s former chief executive, Paul Walsh, as its new chairman, following the acquisition of Chime by WPP and US-based private equity group Providence Equity last year.

Lord Davies, who previously chaired Chime’s board, stepped down as chairman following the acquisition of Chime by WPP and Providence Equity for £374 million in October.

Walsh takes on the chairmanship of Chime, which includes PR firms Good Relations, Harvard and Team Spirit in its portfolio.

His other responsibilities include chairmanship of Compass Group, the world’s largest catering company and Avanti Communications Group plc.

Christopher Satterthwaite, chief executive of Chime Communications, said: “We are delighted that Paul will be joining Chime. He has unrivalled experience in growing businesses on an international scale and we will benefit greatly from this and his understanding of how sport, entertainment and communications can transform brands.”

Walsh added: “I have a long standing relationship with Chime and have experienced first-hand the quality of work consistently delivered throughout the Group.I am particularly pleased to be joining at such an exciting time and believe Chime has a unique opportunity to accelerate its growth and develop its market leading position across multiple geographies.”