Cogent Elliott makes changes at the top

MARKETING agency Cogent Elliott has outlined a number of senior management changes as it looks for new growth.

The agency, which has operations in the Midlands, Oxfordshire and London, has promoted Tim Pile from Chief Executive Officer to Executive Chairman.

Replacing him as CEO is Mike Phillipson, who joins Cogent from integrated agency BIG Communications and who will report directly into Pile as well as take responsibility for the day to day running of the agency.

The agency said the move would free Pile to concentrate on the strategic direction of the business.

He said: “We are now moving on to the next stage of our vision and as a consequence we need to make sure we can continue to focus on developing current client relationships and new business, whilst also driving into new markets and embracing new opportunities.”

Both men have years of experience behind them, working for some of the UK’s leading client side and agency brands.  

Pile joined Cogent from Sainsbury’s Bank where he was CEO; prior to that he was Marketing Director of Lloyds TSB.

Phillipson has held senior roles at a number of London agencies including Propaganda, Saatchi & Saatchi and JWT and worked client side on brands including First Direct.

He said: “It’s an exciting time for Cogent.  The agency has a terrific heritage and with its continued investment in Digital, Planning and PR – to name a few – we’re in a strong position to offer our clients an enhanced and truly integrated service – which is backed up with creative excellence and a broad strategic understanding of clients’ businesses.”

Big Cat roars on with trio of international campaigns

FULL service marketing agency, Big Cat Group, has crowned a trio of international contract wins by managing media relations for the Danish tourist board’s VisitDenmark campaign.

The festival, a celebration of Danish culture and lifestyle, was headed Imagination and took part at St Katharine Docks in London.

Big Cat had also been appointed to provide marketing and PR support for the East meets West concert in June. Held at the Royal Albert Hall, the concert featured three world famous classical artists: Andre Bocelli, Lang Lang and Song Zuying performing in collaboration.

More recently, the agency also provided PR and social media support for The Voyage, an outdoor dance-theatre spectacular held in Birmingham City Centre. This show was performed aboard a custom built 50ft ship, and drew a crowd of 15,000 over three nights.

Limegreen not shaken by coacktail bar campaign win

PR and communications agency Limegreen has toasted success by seeing off strong competition to secure work with London cocktail bar, Be At One.

The contract is to launch a new bar on Gresham Street which is in the heart of the City and is due to open this September.  

Limegreen founders, Sarah Perrins (right) and Jo Mathers (left), have more than 20 years’ experience in the bar and leisure sectors having worked for Punch Taverns and Spirit Pub Company.  

Perrins said: “We are delighted by this win; not only is it fun and a great brand, but it proves regional consultancies of any size can compete with London agencies on their own turf.”

Be At One operations director, Andrew Stones, said: “We are looking forward to working with Sarah and Jo.  They clearly demonstrated a passion for our business and with their vast industry and bar launch experience we felt the Limegreen team would do a great job on behalf of Be At One.”