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He will work alongside Caroline Kimber, SFW’s Head of Data Planning, to bolster the senior strategic resource within the agency. His appointment continues SFW’s commitment to putting the highest quality of planning and strategic thinking at the heart of the agency.

At Kitcatt Nohr, Chris worked on both Waitrose and John Lewis before managing the recent launch of Age UK; the result of the merger between Help the Aged and Age Concern. Chris began his Planning career at BBH, working on Audi, before spending time at Draft and EHS Brann before joining Kitcatt Nohr.

In a busy first half of 2010 we have been appointed by a number of new clients.

The Energy Saving Trust have hired us as the Direct agency. And the first stage of the partnership will see SFW review the contact strategy for the Green Fleet Review, a tailored consultancy service providing businesses and organisations with recommendations for reducing carbon emissions from vehicle fleets.

Chris Whitson. Planning Partner at Stephens Francis Whitson (part of the VCCP Partnership), and IPA DM Group Chairman, discusses why DM is no longer in exile on Main Street…

It’s fair to say that direct marketing has always had its share of knockers, both inside and outside the marketing industry, many of whom predicted the rise of digital media would be the final nail in the coffin for the sector.

LONDON - RSA is rolling out a series of ads to promote its achievement as the insurance group celebrates its third centenary.

The company, which rebranded from Royal & Sun Alliance in 2008, is launching a print, outdoor and experiential marketing drive to raise awareness of its anniversary.

Why the sudden change of strategy? I can imagine Nectar being pushed by partners wanting an increase in trade, but if customers hoard points and blow them in Sainsbury’s or Homebase, no one wins.

The retailers have to accept them, regardless of the shopper’s behaviour in their stores; other partners get no benefit. Also, with a claimed 16.8m cardholders, I imagine Nectar partners want customers to cut down the number of points stored on their cards.

Nestlé’s World Cup-themed campaign for Kit Kat has raised the hackles of The Football Association and official partner Mars, throwing the spotlight on the risks and benefits of ambush marketing.

Most DM practitioners have witnessed the first green shoots of recovery, but, it seems, there is a long way to go before they will be gathering in the harvest. Chris Whitson warns that nay sign of complacency and the upturn could potentially hold a nasty sting.

Asda has decided to consult influential online community Mumsnet on whether it should sell an item of children’s clothing following a row over Primark’s padded bikini top for seven-year-olds.