UKFilm Council press and PR executive Ian Thomson is leaving to become managingdirector of DDA Consulting, a division of leading film PR outfit DDA.

DDA Consulting actsfor a number of non-entertainment related clients as well as those within DDA'straditional sector.

Theappointment was announced by DDA's Chairman Dennis Davidson and Group COO PaulPhilpotts.

Thomsonwill work with Philpotts in developing DDA Consulting's client base.

Thecompany was formed in 2003 to provide corporate andfinancial consulting services to clients such as The Design Council, theKorean conglomerate WEB and India's Planman Motion Pictures. It primarily advises on business development,corporate positioning and fund-raising issues, and crisis management.

Thomsonjoined the UK Film Council from DDA in May 2000 with a remit to change bothmedia and public perception of National Lottery funding for British film. He has also brokered deals with various high-end brands to align them with theUK film industry including Vanity Fair, Harrods, Alfred Dunhill, De Beers,Triumph and BMW.

PaulPhilpotts said: "Ian was already well-respected by my colleagues for his publicrelations expertise but it's the broader business experience he has gained byworking at the UK Film Council that made him the perfect choice for thisrole."

DDAis made up of four operating companies: DDA Public Relations; DDA EventManagement; DDA Productions; and DDA Consulting.