The CIPR has announced the results of a hotly-contested election for the presidency of the organisation.

Lionel Zetter will become president of the CIPR in 2014, having topped Miti Ampoma with 54% of the vote. Zetter will serve on the CIPR Executive Board next year with 2013 president Sue Wolstenholme.

2012 CIPR president Sally Sykes says, “I am sure Lionel will lead the CIPR very effectively and build upon the work done by the team and the Board in championing the PR profession and advancing professional standards. It has been a pleasure to work with Lionel already on CIPR Board and he will bring experience, enthusiasm and commitment to the role of President Elect, becoming President in 2014. I wish Lionel every success.”

Zetter and Ampoma featured on Monday’s CommsChat in anticipation of the Wednesday election and discussed the future of the CIPR and the role of regulation in the PR industry. They had differing views on most things from social media to the role of the presidency.

Zetter said, during the Twitter chat, “CIPR President should lead, promote the industry, exercise good judgment, communicate clearly, and avoid cliches and jargon.” The vote also elected seven new members of the 2012 CIPR Council.