Roy Jeans faces legal threat

Regional press sales house Mediaforce is threatening legal action against Zenith general manager Roy Jeans for jumping ship to competitor AMRA before taking up his post at Mediaforce.

Jeans, who was to join Mediaforce as managing director (MW June 2), will now join AMRA as managing director in July with a remit to increase the visibility of the regional press and develop new business.

Malcolm Denmark, Mediaforce chief executive, says the company is considering its next move. “We have made it quite clear things will have to be handled through solicitors.

“We were not prepared to enter into a Dutch auction when we already had an agreement with him. He has reneged on his contract. We will be taking action in the best interests of the company.”

Jeans has been instructed by lawyers not to talk to the press, but it is understood he did not know of an opening at AMRA until after accepting Mediaforce’s offer.

Mike McCormack, AMRA managing director, now moves to become group chief executive.