Horton’s DJs link burns Whybin in Myer Grace pitch Lara Sinclair
HEADS are being hung in embarrassment all over Melbourne as more details of veteran creative Ted Horton’s involvement on the abortive Whybin TBWA pitch for the Myer Grace business have been brought to light as the retailer holds a fresh review.
B&TWeekly first enquired into Horton’s involvement on the pitch weeks ago. Horton was known to have had a five-year relationship with David Jones. He created DJs’ existing ad campaign and is paid monthly by them.
So, while all the major parties must have been aware that any involvement from Horton in the Myer pitch was a conflict, it seems only the threat of legal action against Whybins by DJs last week brought matters to a head.
David Jones GM of merchandising and marketing Mark McInness told B&T this week that his company has a “watertight” contract with Horton prohibiting him from working with competitors.
None of the parties will comment on the record, although Whybin CEO Wayne Wood told B&T Horton did not work on the Myer Grace review. All other information contradicts that.
Did Whybin know of Horton’s contract? Did they need the details to know that Horton’s involvement was a conflict? Shouldn’t Horton have refused to be involved from the beginning? Has Adland been the big loser?
Meanwhile, David Jones remains Horton’s biggest fan. “We love Ted,” McInness said.
“Ted has done a very honourable thing in continuing to work for David Jones.”
But Horton no longer works at Whybin TBWA. And Whybin doesn’t work on Myer Grace.
