Cognito founder sells stake in agency

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Founder of Cognito Integrated Marketing Karl Heasman has sold his majority holding in the agency to creative agency The Forth Generation.

Heasman founded Cognito in 1996 and will remain as a consultant to the agency for a few months. Existing managing partner Bob Brenchley will stay with the business working with the new shareholders and retains his director role. He has worked in agencies including TBWA/GGT.

Cognito specialises in direct marketing and clients include Nivea, Thomson Directories and Holsten UK. As part of the sale Heasman is taking the client Acentic with him. The company is a pay TV provider to the hotel industry

Heasman launched Cognito after returning from Singapore where he was a founding member of the first international office for Tequila Integrated Marketing.

He began his career as a graduate trainee at Ogilvy & Mather Direct. He says: “I’m leaving the business in great shape and in safe hands. It’s time for a new challenge now and I’m looking forward to having time to consider my next move.”

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