Ex-BBC man takes reins at T-Mobile

Former BBC marketer David Grint has been appointed as head of marketing communications at mobile phone operator T-Mobile.

Grint, who was head of marketing for planning, strategy and brand guardianship at the BBC left the corporation at the end of October (MW October 24, 2002). He has been working in a general consultancy role for UKTV since the end of last year.

Reporting to T-Mobile’s marketing director Sandy Monroe, Grint will be responsible for all of the Deutsche Telecom-owned company’s communications, including its &£40m advertising budget handled by Saatchi & Saatchi. His role effectively replaces Philip Mehl who was UK head of brand development and communications, but moved up to a new role of international advertising communications director in March.

Grint, who was former Coca-Cola brand chief, starts his new job in the middle of next month. He left the BBC after three years when his role was split in two and he was offered another position, which he declined. During his time at the BBC he helped run the pitches for the advertising agency roster.

T-Mobile is reviewing its &£10m UK direct marketing account. The incumbent Claydon Heeley Jones Mason declined to repitch.