Top RHM exit stalls Paxo agency review

The marketing controller for Ranks Hovis McDougall’s Paxo has quit mid-way through its advertising agency review.

Nick Allen, in charge of marketing Paxo stuffing and Saxa salt, was running the pitch for the 1.5m account. It came up for review last year when Paxo parted company with WCRS, which chose not to repitch.

Allen had to relocate from Windsor to Middlewich in Cheshire in July, following the decision to move Bisto Foods’ marketing and sales department to its production site.

It is believed an agency shortlist was being drawn up when Allen announced he was leaving.

The decision on who wins the business has now been put on hold until Allen’s replacement is found.

A spokeswoman for Bisto Foods says a choice between the four shortlisted agencies is expected in the spring, in time for Paxo’s key selling time in the autumn.

She says there are no marketing changes to announce, and that the delay in appointing an agency was due to an internal strategic review of the business.