Sir John Christopher "Chris" Powell (born 4 October 1943), son of Air Vice-Marshal John Powell OBE, is a British advertiser.
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Powell joined the advertising agency Boase Massimi Pollitt (BMP) in 1969, was appointed to the board in 1972 and made managing director three years later. He is one of the most respected practitioners of his trade.[1]
An early campaign created by BMP while under Powell's management was for the Smash potato brand, featuring potato-loving Martians; this advertisement has been voted Britain’s favourite.[2] In 1983, BMP floated on the London Stock Exchange valued at £16 million. After a hostile bid by a French company, BMP was bought in 1989 for £125 million ($200 million) by DDB Worldwide, part of Omnicom Group, an American holding company controlling many agencies.
Powell progressed to become BMP DDB's CEO and subsequently chairman. The agency for over thirty years was voted the most creative in the world, and its approach to advertising has influenced most agencies around the world. DDB went on to become the second-largest marketing agency in the UK, developing a strong US network.
Powell received his knighthood for services to the advertising industry at the end of 2008.[3][4] BMP DDB was Labour's advertising agency from 1972 to 1997.[5]
Powell is currently Chair of NESTA, and, formerly, chair of the Institute of Public Policy Research think tank; the British Council's Creative Industries Advisory Panel; the Ealing Hammersmith and Hounslow Health Authority; and Vice Chair of the Public Diplomacy Board. He serves on the Government's Science Forum and the Board of Riverside Studios.[6]
He is a member of the Corporate Finance Advisory Board at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, advising on corporate finance in the entertainment and media sector, and has NED roles at Dr Foster, Renew, ParcelGenie, and UBM.[7][8]
He was instrumental in launching a re-branded Britain with the catchphrase, "Cool Britannia".[9]
He has three brothers, Charles Powell, Roderick, and Jonathan Powell, who was chief of staff to Tony Blair.[10]