Interim marketing chief leads stringent review at Vodafone

Vodafone is expected to cull a raft of marketing jobs across the world following the departure of marketing chief Peter Bamford. The internal review may also affect its agency roster, according to sources close to the mobile giant.

Bamford, the company’s chief marketing officer, was ousted by under-fire chief executive Arun Sarin last month, triggering a company-wide review of its marketing operations.

It is understood that Vodafone is reconsidering its entire global marketing strategy, currently overseen by global consumer marketing director Frank Rovekamp, who has taken on Bamford’s responsibilities on an interim basis.

Sources say that Vodafone has also asked its procurement team, headed by Jayne Wardall, to assess the role of each agency on its roster. These include Bartle Bogle Hegarty, JWT, OMD, RMG Connect, Harrison Troughton Wunderman and Partners Andrews Aldridge.

Former Barclays group marketing director Simon Gulliford, who is now working as a consultant, is understood to have been approached to replace Bamford (MW March 16) but it is thought he is unsure about moving back into marketing on a full-time basis. He is thought to be considering an interim role with the company.

Separately, Vodafone will unveil its new logo at the weekend in the second phase of its Stop the Clock campaign. A new speechmark icon will replace its current SIM card logo.