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Allied Domecq Spirits & Wines Europe has appointed Chris Banks, managing director of its URM Agencies business, as marketing and strategic planning director for Europe.

PepsiCo is reviving the Pepsi Challenge as part of a ú20m promotions blitz. A four-month taste test in 60 cities starts today at an estimated cost of ú8m.

ITV Network Centre has poached Nick Elliott, head of drama series at BBC TV, as its new controller of drama. Elliott, who joined the BBC last July to boost its primetime drama performance, will take over from Vernon Lawrence who leaves Network Centre at the end of the year.

Michael Doyle, former marketing services manager of Abbey National, and seven other defendants appeared at City of London Magistrates Court last week charged with conspiracy to defraud the bank. All eight will appear again for committal on September 9.

Novell, the computer software giant, is rebranding its software range. It will rename its WordPerfect MainStreet range Novell PerfectHome, which will be launched next month with an interactive role-playing video game based on the death of Marilyn Monroe. It is also signing a deal with German media group Bertelsmann division BMG Interactive Entertainment, under which BMG will take over all marketing activities for the PerfectHome range in Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America.

Gordon’s Gin has tied up with Loseley Ice Cream to produce a sorbet to compete in the new spirits-flavoured adult dessert market. The largest size tub will be offered through an unidentified supermarket chain in an exclusive three-month distribution deal.

Action on Smoking and Health, the anti-smoking pressure group, has appointed Pamela Furness as its new chief executive.

Travelex, the foreign exchange group, has clinched an exclusive deal with British Airways to provide a specialist service for its Executive Club members.

The British Tourist Authority and the English Tourist Board have integrated their marketing functions and created two new divisions. The commercial services division will handle brand management and commercial development, though a director is yet to be appointed.

Elida Gibbs is spending ú4.5m to launch three vanilla-based fragrances for its Impulse range.