Gorman to leave Scottish ad industry as Reid steps into MD’s position at 1576

Speaking exclusively to The Drum, Gorman and his successor, former joint creative boss David Reid, denied that there has been any fallout between the directors, adding that his decision comes after months of careful consideration.

Gorman, 41, said: “There comes a time in your life where your motivations change. I have spent a long time in this industry and, personally, I feel ready for a fresh challenge. It is easy to become stale, particularly when you have your own company and, to be perfectly honest, I can see that happening to me.

“So I’ve made the decision to make a clean break and try something new. I have not made my mind up as to what that might be. Fate will no doubt play a hand. However, I can confirm that I will not continue to work in advertising. That part of my life is behind me now.”

Gorman has worked in Scottish advertising for 18 years, starting his career as a graduate trainee at Hall Advertising, which he joined directly from university. After three years spent working on clients such as Seafish, the SDA, Clydesdale Electrical and Gleneagles Hotel, he moved to The Leith Agency, which was then in its infancy.

Six years later, he quit The Leith, where he had been promoted to deputy head of account management, to form 1576 with colleagues David Reid and Adrian Jeffery.

Since 1994 and under Gorman’s guidance, 1576 has grown to become one of Scotland’s leading ad agencies, boasting clients such as VisitScotland, Glenmorangie, SMG and the National Trust, and Gorman and his fellow directors have also launched complementary businesses in other areas: direct marketing (Metis), design (Whitespace) and, more recently, brand consultancy (1576bc).

His career has also seen him serve as chairman of the Scottish IPA for a term and write two of the last three Scottish Grand Prix award-winning IPA Effectiveness papers.

When Gorman leaves at the end of October, Reid will move into the managing partner’s seat and take responsibility for the running of the agency. Jeffery will take sole responsibility for the agency’s creative department and output from then on.

Reid said: “I’ve been fortunate to have achieved many of my creative ambitions since joining this industry in 1986. And the prospect of a change of direction hugely appeals to me. Running the company will be an exciting challenge and allows Adrian to concentrate on what he does best – great creative work that’s proven time and again to be effective. It has been fun working with Mark and we all understand his motivation for change, and support him.”

Gorman’s departure will make way for Kenneth Fowler, who has headed up brand consultancy 1576bc since its inception, to join the board alongside Reid, Jeffery and planning director Ruth Lees.

Gorman said that he and Reid have informed all the agency’s clients of the imminent changes and they are all relaxed about them.