Cathy Neale

Cathy passed away unexpectedly from a sudden illness.
 
Cathy had worked for IPC for more than 28 years, joining in 1983 as a clerk in the Classified department.

A succession of promotions saw her appointed to a number of management roles within the team, culminating in her appointment as Classified Ad Director in 1999.

That role was later expanded when she took additional responsibility for Innovator.

She was a highly respected and dedicated member of both the IPC Inspire Board and the IPC Advertising Board.
 
Paul Williams, Managing Director of IPC Inspire, to whom Cathy reported, said: “Cathy was a truly inspirational person, both as a leader to her staff in Classified and Innovator and to her colleagues across IPC.

“She was incredibly supportive and proud of her team and took the greatest joy from celebrating their individual and team successes.

“That was Cathy, never selfish, always driving for the best for the company, but most importantly, for her people.
 
“She will be sadly missed and our deepest sympathies and all our thoughts at this time go to her husband Colin and her family.”

Cathy cared deeply about the industry in which she worked and was heavily involved in developing publishing training courses and qualifications with the PPA and the PTC.

She served on the Careers in Media Sales Steering group and helped guide the sales content of the New Talent Awards and Diploma in Publishing.

Loraine Davies, Director of PTC and PPA Training, said: “It was always a joy to work alongside Cathy. She was bright, persuasive, deeply passionate about the industry and tireless in ensuring sales professionals were well-trained and recognised and rewarded for the contribution they make to great brands.

“She was also great fun and we laughed as hard as we worked. Cathy was an inspirational professional and friend and she'll be greatly missed by all of us.”

Cathy's funeral will take place at 1.45pm on September 20 and will be held at Hither Green Cemetery, Verdant Lane, London SE6 1TP.

The service will also be broadcast outside the crematorium chapel and Cathy's husband Colin and her family welcome all those who wish to attend to honour her memory.

For those who would like to send flowers, these are being arranged through Greens Florist, 137 Jamaica Road, London SE16 4SH (Tel: 020 7237 6392).

Alternatively, floral tributes can be sent directly to the funeral directors, FA Albin & Sons, Arthur Stanley House, 52 Culling Road, London SE16 4SH (Tel: 020 7237 3637).

Anyone preferring to make a donation to a cause of their choice, rather than flowers, can do so – contact Albins for further information.