BDG/McColl trio in WPP launch

BDG/McColl creative director Andy Myring and senior associate Neil Prior have left to set up a new WPP-backed brands venture with former retail design director Graham Freeman.

It is believed to be one of the first times WPP has backed the launch of a design consultancy.

When Freeman left BDG/ McColl in September, WPP Group chief executive of identity and design in Europe Sam Sampson said Freeman would stay on within the parent group (DW 27 September).

And on Monday Freeman, Myring and Prior started the new venture, which is part of The Metro Group of companies, also part of the WPP Group.

Myring says the new venture, as yet without a name, will apply the three founders’ retail design experience to the communication of brands using new technology: “It’s to do with the physical and virtual representation of brands.”

Myring adds that the new venture will have no links with BDG/McColl and will not, for the moment, be taking on any staff. “It’s an idea we have been thinking about for some time now – it’s nice that WPP is backing us.”

It is believed that WPP was keen to retain Freeman, Myring and Prior and wanted to hold on to their clients so looked for a suitable location in the group for them to set up in. A source suggests the trio was not happy with the framework at BDG/McColl.

Meanwhile, BDG/McColl continues its hunt for a successor to Freeman. Marketing manager Jackie Lowes says a shortlist has been compiled and an appointment is expected within two weeks.