Gulliford to launch a super consultancy with BBH boss

Former Barclays group marketing chief Simon Gulliford is teaming up with Bartle Bogle Hegarty group director Steve Kershaw to launch a “super consultancy” to advise businesses on long-term strategic plans, such as investment opportunities in new ventures.

The consultancy, which will offer business, marketing and communications expertise, is due to be unveiled next year. The move follows Kershaw’s departure from BBH after 21 years.

Kershaw has confirmed the launch of the start-up and says: “Simon and I are discussing setting up a new consultancy which will be about solving business problems and addressing real business issues. We will be getting actively involved with the businesses that we would consult on, rather than just going in to pass judgement on what works or what might have gone wrong.” He adds that the consultancy will also be looking at venture capitalists’ businesses, “which now realise that it is not just about stripping costs, but about building brands – something that we will have an understanding of”. He says that details of the new venture have yet to be worked out.

Gulliford, counted among the UK’s most high-profile marketers until he left Barclays after three years in 2004, has been linked to several top-level marketing
jobs, including that of chief marketing officer at Vodafone to replace Peter Bamford last year. He has continued with his consultancy career, including mentoring BBH.

Meanwhile Kershaw will continue to handle Barclays, Woolworths, Ginsters and Barnardo’s until he steps down from BBH in October. He plans to go travelling for a few months soon afterwards. The new consultancy is expected to open its doors on Kershaw’s return.