Bainsfair’s future in doubt as TBWA starts top-level job hunt

Speculation is mounting over TBWA Europe chairman Paul Bainsfair’s future at the network, following suggestions that a brief for his role has been issued.

The TBWA network was due to make an announcement this week about a senior level appointment that is expected to be part of a wider restructure of the network, which is understood to have been delayed.

Bainsfair insists that his role as European chairman is unaffected by the changes. He also says the appointment will “not affect the UK market” but refuses to confirm the nature of the new role.

There has been increased speculation about his role since the appointment of Perry Valkenburg, the former chairman of TBWA Germany, as TBWA Europe president, as well as chief operating officer worldwide. Industry insiders say the high level appointment at European level is further proof that Bainsfair has been marginalised.

Insiders say Bainsfair is now looking to leave as he feels he is being pushed out of his role. He has held a number of roles at the network and was previously president of the region. He has also handled a number of ad hoc roles across the UK and Europe. His current title is chairman of Europe for TBWA.

Bainsfair insists: “There is no brief out there for the position that I occupy for the company. My role is not affected by any changes. It is quite easy to imagine how the confusion has occurred because I do have a number of roles that are European or UK specific.”

He denies the expected announcement will affect the UK marketing “in any way”.

Bainsfair was appointed as president of Europe in April 2004, with responsibility for day-to-day operations across the region.

He co-founded Bainsfair Sharkey Trott in 1990, which was acquired by GGT in 1997 and merged with the TBWA network the following year. Bainsfair was appointed chairman of the TBWA UK group in 1998.