1576 makes new appointments, including planning boss and wins Buildstore job
1576 has started its rebuilding exercise, with the appointment of its new head of planning, six further new faces and the secural of a new client – national self-build specialists, Buildstore.
1576 has announced Rob McLeod as its new head of strategy and planning. McLeod joins from brand consultancy Tsuko, where he will remain director. Tsuko is owned by McLeod’s wife, Susanna Freedman.
McLeod is the second senior signing for the agency – which has recently seen the departure of directors Ruth Lees, Kenneth Fowler, Adrian Jeffrey, Fife Hyland and Gary Smith – following the arrival of Pete Bastiman last month, who replaces outgoing creative director Jeffrey.
1576 has also added to the two highprofile signings with a raft of “imaginative” new recruits. The agency has recruited account director Leon Wojiechowich from RBS, senior account manager Marianne Patel from Loewy London, Andrew Lumsden as an account executive from The Leith Agency, Michael Scallon, an account manager from Platinum One and David McCullough from Bureau van Dijk as planner. The agency has also hired Savila Gjodede, from Edinburgh University.
“I did promise exciting times ahead for the agency and I'm delighted we are gathering a real momentum with a lot of fresh talent and invigorated thinking coming on board,” said Reid. “We are winning business, developing significant campaigns for existing clients and taking on new people. Despite the fact that the past few months have been undeniably tricky, 1576 is here for the long haul, and I'd like to personally thank everyone, particularly our competitors, who have sent numerous messages of encouragement.”
It is also understood that negotiations are moving forward that could see Reid buy-out the agency from the departed shareholders. Meanwhile, following a five-way pitch, 1576 has been appointed by Buildstore, the market leader in self-build and renovated homes.
The agency has already embarked on press, poster and DM activity, which will appear shortly.