Press watchdog the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) has announced two appointments to its board.

Public relations consultant Claire Singers joins the board as a lay member while magazine publisher Mike Soutar takes up the role as an industry member.

Claire was managing director and joint owner of LD Communications, and has worked with some of the biggest artists in the world, including Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones, as well as being involved in high profile events such as Live 8 and Live Earth.

Mike has edited some of the UK’s best-known magazines and was chief executive and co-founder of Shortlist Media Limited.

They replace outgoing members Richard Reed, who has stood down from the board, and Kevin Hand, who has died.

IPSO Chairman, Sir Alan Moses, said: “I am delighted to welcome Claire Singers and Mike Soutar to the IPSO Board. A regulator needs an effective Board to advise, prompt and oversee and in Claire and Mike we have two excellent appointments who will further strengthen our organisation.

“Claire’s understanding and knowledge of public relations and the media will serve the Board extremely well and Mike’s expertise and familiarity with the magazine sector is crucial as IPSO enters its third year of operation.

He added: “I would like to put on record my thanks to Richard Reed and the late Kevin Hand for their important contribution to the first two years of IPSO.

“Richard’s experience in creating a world class company was invaluable to the Board as we set up our structures while Kevin provided wise counsel and guidance that we continue to miss following his untimely passing.”