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He fidgets, flicks nervously through his notes and, at one point, blushes profusely. This, he reveals, is his first press interview in a marketing career of nearly 20 years.

Gellett feels more comfortable with the nitty-gritty of running a business.

He relaxes when he mentions sorting out IT support, systems-based billing and "things you can do to make your business hum rather than stutter".

It's for this reason that Robert Prevezer, chief executive of TCA, has brought him in to take the reins and drive new business.

"I would rather be working with clients than talking about working with clients," says Gellett.

If this was TCA's philosophy of old, it might explain why an agency that's been around for 16 years, working with an impressive client list - Coca-Cola Enterprises, Blockbuster, Natwest, Disney and Triumph - has such a low profile. But that could change as TCA brings in more proactive business development and puts recruitment plans on the agenda.

In positioning the agency more strongly in the market place, TCA aims to focus on client handling. "Both Robert and I are hands-on," he says.

"That's not something that can be said of many agencies, where principals can get sucked away from client-facing activity."

Gellett left as chief executive of Mosaic a year ago and, though understandably reluctant to comment on the agency's demise, he is positive.

"From the early days Mosaic had an insightful structure that mixed marketing services and sales services functions," he says.

"For four years it was a solid, profitable business. What happened was a shift in focus towards North America and a significant change in the proposition and culture of the business."

When he left Mosaic, Gellett did not envisage a return to marketing, but after a stint as a management consultant he missed the industry. "This is a fun industry to be in and I think a lot of people have forgotten how to have fun," he says.

He hasn't lost this sense of fun, despite his discomfort at the interview - as soon as it's over, he smiles and chats freely. And you glimpse why he is successful with clients: he can certainly switch on the charm.

CV
January 2003: Managing director, The Communications Agency (TCA)
2002: Freelance management consultant
2000: Chief executive, Mosaic Marketing Services
1997: Chief operating officer, Mosaic Marketing Services
1989: Founding director, ZGC
1984: Founding member, Marketing Team
1983: Account executive, Purchasepoint