DMA and IDM merger: FAQ

The DMA and IDM have merged to produce the largest marketing body in Europe, announced by DMA chair Julia Porter. Read our FAQs on the merger.

1. Why are the IDM and DMA merging?

A combined business will create a stronger profession by helping every company and every individual be better at what they do. A merged organisation will protect and grow our industry, inspire the best talent and be a passionate advocate of best practice, innovation and excellence.

2. What does the new organisation look like?

The combined business will support both brands. With a shared vision, they will continue to run as separate companies. The DMA brand will continue to sell company memberships (helping companies have a better business) and the IDM will continue to offer individual memberships and training and qualifications (helping individuals be better at what they do).

3. How will the merged companies be run?

The board has appointed Chris Combemale as group CEO and Ken Goulding as group finance director to oversee both brands. Each company/brand will appoint a managing director. Rachel Aldighieri will be the managing director of the DMA and Jane Cave will be the managing director of the IDM. The chair of the IDM and the IDM managing director will join the DMA Board to form a Group Board.

4. What does the merger mean for the industry?

The merger is good for the industry. The merged organisation will become the largest and most influential marketing trade body and provider of specialist qualifications in Europe with a revenue of over £8 million and 80 employees. A combined business will create a stronger profession by helping every company and every individual to be better at what they do. A merged organisation will protect and grow our industry, inspire the best talent and be a passionate advocate of best practice, innovation and excellence.

5. How will it impact members?

Members will continue to enjoy the same benefits and over the coming months we will explore opportunities for greater synergy across the two organisations to enhance membership further.

6. How will the merger affect regional activity?

We believe the merger will provide more opportunities for both member engagement and community engagement at a regional level.

7. How will it impact members of both the IDM and DMA?

The DMA will continue to look after members at a company level while the IDM will offer individual memberships so we don’t anticipate there being too much change.

8. Both the DMA and IDM have councils. Will these be merged?

This is something that we will certainly explore. We’ll bring together the chairs from all the councils at a chairs’ council meeting to explore the options.

9. Where does the merger leave the IDM Trust?

The IDM Trust will become a separate charity after the merger to continue to distribute ear-marked legacy funds from Derek Holder as bursaries to support those that want to enter the profession and gain qualifications and experience. It will also be merging with the DM Foundation that provides funds to attract young talent into the industry and protect vulnerable consumers.