Fort Sterling picks ex-Crown boss for top marketing role

Former Akzo Nobel marketing chief Steve Duncan has joined Nouvelle tissue manufacturer Fort Sterling, as group marketing director.

Duncan was group marketing director at Akzo Nobel, best known for its Crown paint brand, but was ousted in February when the company merged sales and marketing functions, and created separate sales and marketing director positions for the retail and trade divisions.

During his eight years at the company, Crown’s share of coloured emulsion grew by more than 50 per cent. Before Akzo, he spent 14 years at Reckitt & Colman, working on brands such as Harpic, Mr Sheen and Dettox.

Fort Sterling switched advertising agencies – from Leagas Shafron Davis to HHCL & Partners – in August.

Duncan says he was kept fully informed of the pitch while he was negotiating with the company, and has no intention of reviewing the agency appointment.

“HHCL is well along the track in developing new campaigns for us,” he says, and confirms that Nouvelle will be returning to TV. But he declines to reveal the ad spend.

Phil Luckett, Fort Sterling’s previous marketing director and the man who oversaw the appointment of HHCL, left at the beginning of this month. Duncan says he understands Luckett has returned to consultancy work.

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