News

Former Rapier managing director Ben Stephens and ex-CMW planning chief Chris Whitson have completed the line-up for the VCCP-backed direct marketing agency, by bringing on board RMG Connect executive creative director Neil Francis.

The agency, Stephens Francis Whitson, will be based in the VCCP offices, in Westminster, London, and will be run as a joint venture. It has already secured two clients, the film distribution division of Disney, and Dyson, a shared client with VCCP.

Stephens has also been managing director of Tequila Payne Stracey and TBWA/ GGT Direct. He quit Rapier at the end of 2003 to relaunch mail order company Roxtons.

He says: "Where others seem caught between trying to act like below-the-line ad agencies or following the old direct marketing agency routine, we will present a different view. One which brings together a 21st century interpretation of proper direct marketing principles with an understanding of what makes brands sell."

Whitson joined Clark McKay and Walpole four years ago from TBWA/GGT Direct. He left CMW late last year. Francis joined RMG:Connect, then Black Cat Direct, in November 1997, from Wunderman Cato Johnson.

Stephens Francis Whitson is the latest in a series of agencies set up with ad agency backing, including Hall Moore CHI (PM July 2 2004) and WCRS-backed Personal (PM July 9 2004).