David Gamble made honorary vice president of Airmic

David Gamble, principal of the Airmic Academy and former executive director of the association, has received an award in recognition of his lifetime contribution to Airmic. Gamble was presented the honorary award of vice president by current Airmic chair Helen-Clare Pope at the Annual Dinner in December.

Pope paid tribute to Gamble, praising his “outstanding leadership and commitment to Airmic”. She added: “David has always been a kind and friendly face at Airmic events, taking his time to speak to everyone and make them feel welcome.”

Gamble was executive director between 1998 and 2007. During his tenure he introduced the partnering scheme, where leading companies agree to support the association, which has significantly contributed to Airmic’s effectiveness in recent years.

As well as expanding its resources, it led to the creation of the Airmic Academy programme which Gamble now heads. Under Gamble’s leadership, the Academy has been hugely successful, with around 600 delegates attending over 50 workshops a year.

Gamble told Airmic News: “I was very surprised and very humbled but also extremely pleased to be recognised in such a public way. I was delighted. I would like to thank Richard Reddaway, David Ketley, David Bull and Ina Barker for selecting me to be executive director in the first place, and John Hurrell for finding a niche for me through the Airmic Academy which I’ve enjoyed so much.”