Pictured above: Dean Lovett

Dean Lovett, CEO of McCann Erickson Central, has fought off tough competition to take the top spot in one of the industry's most prestigious rankings of influential marketing figures outside of London for the second consecutive year.

Lovett was awarded first place in the Power 100 list which is published by industry bible The Drum. The list is the result of an extensive poll of the marketing services industry that attracts around 8,000 votes. It ranks individuals based on influence, profile, responsibility, experience and knowledge. The list is an important marker of who is leading the way for the future of the industry and attracting client investment to their agency and, more importantly, their region.

Midlands-born Dean Lovett, based at McCann Erickson Birmingham, said: "To top the Power 100 list for a second consecutive year is great news and something I'm very proud of. What's really great about the Power 100, is that it acknowledges that creativity is thriving outside of London and proves that talented individuals can make their mark on the industry without being based in the Capital.

"With the support of a great team here at McCann Erickson in Birmingham, the agency has had a fantastic start to 2011 having won 20 pieces of new business already. This includes further work for Vauxhall for its Aftersales business and Persimmon, one of the UK's largest house builders. Both wins are a real testament to the quality of work we're producing. Based on the past few months, it's a really exciting time here at McCanns and I can't wait to see what our continued hard work will achieve next!"