Claydon Heeley chief defects to rival agency

John Young has quit as managing director at Claydon Heeley Jones Mason (CHJM) to take up the same position at Scottish direct marketing company Oneagency.

Young takes up the role at Oneagency after an exodus of the company’s senior management team.

Scottish-born Young headed CHJM’s Beijing operation from May 2000 to September 2001, becoming joint managing director on his return to the UK.

He was previously business director with Jones Mason Barton Antenen, when the agency merged with Claydon Heeley in January 2000. He has also worked at McCann-Erickson and Evans Hunt Scott.

The former Oneagency management team included managing director Sue Mullen and creative director Dave Mullen. The Mullens own 10 per cent each of Oneagency, while the Leith Agency owns 80 per cent.

It is believed the management team left following a failed buyout. They have set up a new company, called Story, and taken the First Direct account with them. It is not clear if the Mullens still hold shares in Oneagency.

Oneagency clients include Standard Life, Scottish Friendly and the Clydesdale/Yorkshire Bank.

CHJM’s other joint managing director, Jonathan Harman, will take on Young’s responsibilities.