Yell names Lloyds TSB marketer as Francke replacement

Yell has appointed former Lloyds TSB group marketing director Helen Stevenson (pictured) as chief marketing officer to replace Ann Francke, who left the company abruptly earlier this year (MW July 20).

Stevenson, who left Lloyds in March, takes over the role on November 1 and her first task will be to conclude the protracted advertising pitch for the directory publisher’s £20m advertising account. Francke called the review in April after a conflict with BT led to the group parting company with Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO after 23 years.

It is understood that Mother is the only agency in negotiations with Yell. Mother and Vallance Carruthers Coleman Priest (VCCP) have been competing for the account since United London, Wieden & Kennedy, Miles Calcraft Briginshaw Duffy and Leagas Delaney were eliminated at an earlier stage.

It is understood that VCCP is out of the running, leaving Mother in pole position to scoop the business (MW October 5). It has been suggested that AMV.BBDO is trying to resolve the conflict issue with BT and that digital agency AKQA is in line to pick up at least some of the above-the-line account after producing strong work for Yell.com. It now appears the appointment of Stevenson has held up the pitch.

Yell chief executive John Condron says: ” Stevenson has a very strong track record of marketing achievement in both the fast-moving consumer goods and financial services sectors, and exactly the right blend of experience and leadership capability to build upon Yell’s tradition of great marketing.”