Between the Lines: Sir Frank takes sole control

Campaign 09-Dec-05

The decision by Sir Frank Lowe to send out a press release last Thursday morning announcing his intention to start a new agency may well have bounced Paul Weinberger into handing in his resignation to Lowe London (pages 1 and 3).

However, the precipitous move will also have left the rest of his future
partners in uncomfortable positions at their respective agencies. The
speculation about Paul Hammersley will have bred lengthy and unhealthy

uncertainty at DDB London. Ditto the JWT managing director, Mark Cadman,

and his lack of a final decision.

At first glance, it seems a clumsy way to launch an agency, but never
underestimate the Machiavellian instincts of Sir Frank. The runaway
speculation has built an enviable amount of excitement about the
launch.

It has also enabled Sir Frank to take ownership of the scheme. By
announcing his start-up early, he did not have to share the first, most
important, press release with Tesco, Weinberger, Hammersley or anyone
else.