WH Smith retains BBH and lures Sloan

WH Smith has confirmed it has reappointed Bartle Bogle Hegarty, as predicted in Marketing Week (February 10).

However, in a bizarre twist, the retail chain has also appointed former Woolworths marketing director Don Sloan head of brand marketing, two weeks after his secret agency won London radio station Viva! 963 AM’s creative account (MW February 10). Sloan’s agency is now understood to be defunct.

At the time, unsuccessful agencies pitching for the Viva! 963 AM business claimed they had been told the account had been awarded to a new start-up, headed by Sloan.

Viva! 963 AM, part of Golden Rose Communications which also operates JFM in London and the North-West, says it has instead appointed The Media Factor and Business Development Partnership to handle its £500,000 launch in late spring.

Viva! 963 FM refuses to comment on the Sloan appointment. Sloan is currently in Africa.

Sloan’s appointment follows management changes at the retailer following the departure of general manager marketing Dean Cowley (MW July 1). Sloan will replace Esther Horwood, WH Smith brand marketing director, at the end of March.