The merger was clumsily handled and the aftermath has seen at least four managing directors pass through the Westbourne Terrace HQ. In the MD's chair now is Dennis Kerslake, marking his first anniversary this month.
Kerslake has been swift to bring in an all-star line-up: business development director Vanessa Hogg came from Interfocus to join creative director Jo Arscott, strategic planning director Gavin Hilton and finance director Andrew Reeves to rejuvenate a disillusioned team. "That has been my biggest achievement: putting a great management team in place that has a sense of direction," Kerslake says. They're working towards the "integration of skills within the business", something Kerslake is involved in at group level.
"We're a much stronger agency than we were a year ago," he says. "It's a happier place, the internal communications are better, the working relationships are straightforward and there's no bullshit." But he's ready to admit 141 hasn't been seen in the same light as best-in-class shops such as IMP, Triangle, Proximity and Joshua. Kerslake's challenge is to create "in 141 an agency that can stand up against the major players".
Those who have worked with him describe him as bright, creative, fastidious and "a control freak". Most agree that he's a finisher, but not a yes-man. This is underlined by his tip for the top: "Be confident, express your views - clients want us to have a point of view. But listen and learn to pick your moments."
Apart from John Farrell, Kerslake says he's had no mentor. "I've had to learn it myself. You do have to learn to be adaptable," he comments.
"I'd like to think that I've been a positive unifying force," he adds.
By all accounts, that unifying process has started at 141 and Kerslake exudes an understated confidence. "We've got through what could have been a really difficult year and shown a decent return. Now we're getting fired up about having a bit of a go this year - making a splash."
For Bates UK, much depends on whether they cut the mustard.
CV
2002: Managing director, 141
1999: Managing director, Brann
1997: Managing director, Barraclough Woolston Gray
1995: Managing director, Carlson
1986: Sets up his own agency
1984: IMP
1982: Courage
1979: SmithKline Beecham
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