The UK DMA’s Robert Keitch has announced his decision to step down from his role as the direct marketing professional body’s chief of membership and brand.

Keitch (pictured) will continue with his day-to-day duties until the end of March and will serve as the organisation’s media spokesman through to July. 

The responsibilities of chief of membership and brand will be shared between the DMA’s directors and senior staff until a successor is appointed later this year.

Keitch was promoted to the role of chief of membership and brand in 2009 after serving as the DMA’s director of media channel development and environmental affairs for three years. In his current position, Keitch has served as the public ‘face’ of the DMA, implemented a series of member benefits and thought leadership initiatives and engaged with government and industry stakeholders. 

The position of chief of membership and brand was created last year alongside that of chief of operations. The double-headed leadership structure was introduced as part of a programme of change to restructure the UK DMA to ensure the organisation is equipped to meet the needs of its members and lead the direct marketing industry over the next five years. 

Commenting on his departure, Keitch said: "I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in setting the DMA on a steady course of change that will ensure it can continue to represent the interests of the direct marketing industry today and far into the future. However, after four years at the DMA, it’s now time for me to turn my hand to new challenges."

UK DMA chairman David Metcalfe thanked Keitch for his distinguished service to the DMA, saying: "Robert’s passion, experience and depth and breadth of knowledge has made him a tremendous asset to the DMA. We are extremely grateful for everything he has achieved in his four years with us. While we are sorry to see him step down, we respect his decision and wish him all the best in all future pursuits."