Fagan exit raises doubts over £100m DSG review

Elizabeth Fagan is understood to be leaving DSG International, formerly called the Dixons Group. It is not thought that she has a job to go to.

Fagan had taken up an unspecified marketing role earlier this year at DSG, having moved across from her role as managing director of The Link, the group’s mobile division. She was appointed Link managing director last year (MW February 5, 2004).

Fagan’s departure will come as a surprise to some in the industry, as it was believed that she was being mentored by Dixons chief executive John Clare, with a view to taking further responsibility at the group.

It is understood that Fagan had asked for a non-existent over-arching role as group head, with responsibility for all DSG brands.

Before her departure, Fagan had been responsible for conducting an internal review of DSG’s entire marketing strategy and operations (MW last week). But her exit is likely to put an end to speculation about a formal review of DSG’s &£100m advertising.

DSG uses Walker Media for media buying and M&C Saatchi for creative assignments, and spent just under &£100m in 2004 on marketing and advertising in the UK.

Dixons denies that she is leaving: “She is a valued and respected member of staff and is still conducting a strategic internal review.”