THE head of marketing at Basingstoke-based relocation specialists HCR is the new chairman of the Hampshire Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

Simon Hood, who last November was named Young Business Person of the Year at the INSPIRE13 Business Awards, is leading the charge to take the professional body into a new era.

Simon, who is based at HCR’s head office at Belvedere, on Basing View, said: “It is wonderful to have the support of my peers in Hampshire.

“Being elected chairman provides me with a platform to help the institute re-engage with marketeers across the county, whilst helping to educate and protect consumers.”

With a combination of creative flair and a perceptiveness of market trends, Simon has achieved individual business success whilst also helping to propel his current employer to the forefront of the marketplace.

Simon started his career with HCR as a marketing executive, handling the company’s PR, events, e-marketing and advertising.

With a number of successes under his belt, including introducing the company to the digital world through e-marketing, webinars and SEO, he was quickly promoted to his current role, heading up marketing for the entire group.

“I’m not one to relax when I go home at night,” said Simon. “I always have a number of projects on the go.”

His achievements include developing and selling top apps, writing a Hampshire cookbook, and organising awards and events.

The cookbook, a project in support of The Prince’s Trust, has so far raised £15,000.

“I’m lucky enough to have a career that brings me a tremendous amount of satisfaction,” said Simon.

“I hope to encourage the next generation of marketeers coming through to work hard, get creative and – most importantly – enjoy getting results from their efforts.”

Simon is already organising events, including a networking session at The Hampshire Court Hotel, in Chineham, on Thursday, February 27.

l For more information about the CIM and its events, visit cim.co.uk /events.