Outvertising’s Founder and Joint-CEO Mark Runacus MBE Steps Down

Outvertising today announces that after four years leading the organisation, Mark Runacus MBE is stepping down as joint-CEO. 

Commenting on his departure Runacus said “Now is the perfect time for me to step aside so that we can find new and more effective ways to challenge the many prejudices that still exist in our sector.” 

Mark was one of the founders of Outvertising, UK advertising and marketing’s LGBTQIA+ voluntary advocacy group and has led it since its formation in 2019. 

Since then Outvertising has become known for its LGBTQIA inclusive awards, providing training and development, mentoring, and campaigning. More recently Outvertising worked with the Advertising Association and the IPA to make the All In Action Plan LGBTQIA+ inclusive. 

“I’m proud that the organisation is bigger and stronger than ever. And it needs to be. Because LGBTQIA+ prejudice still exists in adland. Sadly, I continue to hear stories of unacceptable behaviour, whether it’s that awful “office banter” or just downright exclusion. The AllIn survey showed clearly that the Queer community doesn’t always feel welcomed in our creative workplaces. There’s still much work to be done,” he said. 

Replacing Mark as joint CEO is Marty Davies. 

Leaders from across advertising and media have shared their thoughts on Mark’s contribution. 

Diana Tickell, former CEO of NABS said, “He has a unique ability to make you feel valued and in turn endears your full support. Mark’s vision for Outvertising has enabled the organisation to become a hugely respected asset within our industry for individuals and companies alike. Mark has helped me make my allyship more active, widen my circle and enabled a greater depth of understanding and conviction of the role every one of us has to play in making our industry totally LGBTQIA+ inclusive.” 

Building on this statement, Jane Luca, director of public affairs at ITV, adds, “Mark has played such an important role in banging the drum on behalf of all LGBTQIA+ people to ensure the ad industry portrays them more fairly and accurately without stereotyping. He leaves a great legacy for the team at Outvertising to build on and it's been a pleasure to work with him as a member of the Outvertising Council.” 

Lucy McKillop, joint-CEO of Outvertising, adds “Mark has created something that’s become so much greater than the sum of its parts. He is seemingly unflappable. He is exactly who you need, exactly when you need it.”