This year’s PRCA Awards recognised Ketchum’s European CEO David Gallagher for his contribution to the industry. His accomplishments as an agency leader as well as his unrelenting support for the PR industry though his ex curricular roles at the PRCA and ICCO were celebrated at the annual awards.

The leaders of the PR world gathered at the PRCA Awards 2015 at the Hilton Park Lane on Tuesday evening, hosted by Countdown’s Rachel Riley.

David, past chair of the PRCA and current President of ICCO, was handed the Mark Mellor Award for outstanding contribution to the PR industry, named after Firefly’s late MD Mark Mellor, whose PR career was cut short in 2012, aged 49.

The award was handed to David by Firefly Communications Group CEO Claire Walker, Mark Mellor’s widow. She said:

“This award is for the PR industry’s unsung heroes and heroines. Those who support from behind the scenes, keeping calm, sticking to long-term goals and commitments, just resolutely getting on with what needs to be done and making real progress. This is about going above and beyond your remunerated position; it’s about giving time and effort for the good of the PR industry. But clearly, only the most highly regarded and respected PR professionals could be recipients.

“David’s calm and measured demeanour belies the impressive juggling act that must surely go on behind the scenes. This is why he is worthy of The Mark Mellor Award. As well as holding down demanding top positions at Ketchum over the past 15 years, David has given back way beyond his agency remit. He has supported the PR industry as a whole by co-steering the PRCA through the most economically challenging period in the PR industry’s history, and since then, by being President of ICCO.”

We are deeply saddened at the loss of Mark Mellor, Firefly’s managing director, who has died from cancer. He leaves behind his wife, Claire Walker and their three children, Toby (15), Robyn and Max (12).

Mark served Firefly for over 23 years, joining the fledgling company after just nine months of trading. He was instrumental in guiding, shaping and building the business.

Mark was a great businessman, an excellent PR operator and dedicated dad. He will be missed by many.

For those who would like more information or to leave comments, please visit www.fireflycomms.com/markmellor.

Mark Mellor 16.9.1962 – 28.1.2012