'Disillusioned' Mark Borkowski cuts ties with own agency

Mark Borkowski, one of the biggest names in the PR industry, is severing all ties with his own agency.

The founder and CEO of Borkowski PR is understood to have become disillusioned with the traditional consultancy model and now plans to set up a separate venture in his own name.

Having set up the eponymous agency in 1987, Borkowski is now believed to be selling his stake to fellow shareholders MD Larry Franks, director Emeka Njodi and chairman Graeme Arkell. The agency will now rebrand as Beige.

Borkowski confirmed the split but declined to comment further. Both Borkowski and Franks refused to reveal the circumstances of the exchange of assets and personnel.

A statement by Borkowski PR referred to a 'private arrangement for a privately owned company'.

Sources said Borkowski, a regular TV and radio pundit, planned to launch a new agency in his own name as a separate venture, once 'two significant relationships' have been set up.

He is understood to see the new venture as an 'evolution' of Borkowski PR, after becoming disillusioned with traditional PR agency methods.

In a blog post on 7 April, Borkowski complained that PR was 'blanding out' by 'cravenly telling the client what they want to hear'.

Franks will remain MD of the 32-strong Beige. He said: 'Everyone involved with the agency is incredibly excited about Beige, and the teams know that we have the opportunity to stamp our identity on it.

'We are essentially a start-up with fantastic clients, great staff and years of experience. We have the flexibility to collectively make the quality of our work do the talking and dictate perceptions of the agency.'

TURNING BEIGE

Borkowski PR was established in 1987. The agency will relaunch as Beige on 1 May, without founder Mark Borkowski

Initial Beige clients are 505 Games, Churchill, Green Flag, Sony, Virgin Active, Virgin Media and Zumba, and new business win Haagen-Dazs.

Beige will be based at the same Clerkenwell premises as previously.