City & Corporate: FD lands retained brief for John Menzies

Widely known for its retail business, sold to WHSmith in 1998, John Menzies now has two operating divisions: Menzies Aviation and Menzies Distribution.

The agency was taken on after a competitive pitch, thought to have included five other consultancies, and has been charged with raising the profile of the business in the City. MD Jonathon Brill will lead the FD team supported by senior vice-president Caroline Stewart. They will report to Paul Dollman, John Menzies' group finance director, and company secretary John Geddes.

There was no incumbent on the account, although the firm has previously used Citigate Dewe Rogerson to support financial and corp comms.

Established in 1833, the FTSE 250 firm is a major distributor of newspapers and magazines throughout the UK and a provider of aviation services to airlines.

Meanwhile, FD has been called in by DFS to advise on bondholder and media relations. The sofa retailer was acquired by Advent International from Lord Kirkham in June 2010, when former Boots CEO Richard Baker was appointed chairman. FD was appointed via its existing relationship with Advent International.