LONDON —  Francis Ingham, the director general of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has died after a short illness, the association has confirmed.

In a statement, the PRCA said: "Today the PRCA Board has been informed that Francis Ingham has passed away after a short illness. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. The PRCA board is very grateful to Francis for his considerable contribution to the PRCA during the course of his leadership. There will be no further comment at this time."

Ingham, who was 47, had led the PRCA since 2007. He was also chief executive of the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO).