Starcom loses head to start-up

Robers%2C%20Kesley%20and%20BishopMedia agency Starcom is losing yet another high profile name with its group head of sponsorship and director of Starcom Adam Bishop leaving to join Andy Roberts’ start-up Village Green.

Former EMAP Advertising cross-media director and founder of consultancy XmC Jane Kesley is the third partner in start-up Village Green, which will focus on offering “independent” brand solutions advice. Bishop is still believed to be negotiating departure terms.

Village Green aims to bring brands closer to content through channels including editorial and programming, events, sponsorship, promotions, licensing and ad-funded solutions across all platforms.

Bishop helped launch the ‘ ‘ division to promote the use of non-traditional media channels two years ago under the former Starcom Europe, the Middle East and Africa managing partner Roberts (MW April 7, 2005).

Marketing Week revealed how Roberts, who left Starcom after nearly 20 years in March, was poised to return to the industry with a start-up (MW June 14). Roberts, then client managing director, left the agency as part of a restructure orchestrated by UK chief executive Linda Smith that aimed to increase its focus on planning.

Village Green will launch officially in September, although Roberts and Kesley are already talking to media owners and potential clients.