BJL loses Clancy but wins Bradford & Bingley from Cheethambell JWT
Jane Clancy, a director and shareholder of BJL, has quit the agency she took through an MBO amid rumours that she was poised to take the managing director\'s chair at rival agency CheethamBell JWT.
The move will be a major blow to BJL as Clancy was responsible for many of the agency\'s key accounts, including Eurocamp and John West. In 2004, along with Jackie Holt, Nicky Unsworth, Iain Kerr and Trevor Lorains, she acquired the majority of the BJL shares from its original founders.
One Manchester commentator told Adline: \"This development is unprecedented. Never before has a leading Manchester agency poached its MD from a key rival. The normal rule is that MDs are either brought in from outside the market or appointed from within the agency itself.
\"Jane must have agonised over this decision. The offer from CheethamBell JWT must have been very good indeed.\"
Trevor Lorains, BJL’s managing director, confirmed that Clancy had resigned, but insisted there was no rift and that the split was amicable.
\"In fairness, it is something that has happened,\" he said. \"As far as I am concerned, it\'s a private situation with Jane. I have no idea where she\'s going, but I\'ve heard the rumours the same as everyone else. We wish Jane all the best, and I\'m sure she wishes us all the best.\"
None of CheethamBell JWT’s directors were available for comment. Current MD, Paul Watson was on holiday as Adline went to press.
The irony of the news is that BJL this week raided CheethamBell JWT to take the remainder of its £3.5 million Bradford & Bingley account.
The appointment follows a change of marketing director, with Stephen Rowe taking over as brand communications director. There was no pitch.
The brief will include a complete brand relaunch for Bradford & Bingley’s mortgages.
BJL won half the business in a pitch last year against CheethamBell JWT.
The agency has also just launched a £2 million press campaign for its Elegant Resorts client.