One of the world's top advertising executives has been drafted in to advise the London mayor on strategy to cope with the financial crisis. Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and chief executive of top agency WPP, was named as chairman of the new International Business Advisory Council (IBAC), which will support work by the mayoral team to support the City. Other members include David Bonderman, co-founder of the private equity group TPG, and Willie Walsh, the chief executive of British Airways. Key issues for the group are improving the capital's transport infrastructure, the knock-on effects of the global economic downturn to ordinary Londoners, and the need to make the capital a more affordable place to live. The group will also examine how to attract investment from international investors. London mayor, Boris Johnson, said: ‘Like many world cities, London's economy, its markets and its businesses are feeling the effect of the global credit crunch and it is essential we agree on decisive measure to minimise any long-term damage. Bringing some of the world's best business minds together at City Hall could not be better timed.'