The direct marketing industry has paid tribute to former Grattan chief Gordon Brown – a key figure in the launch and subsequent success of WWAV North and WWAV Scotland – who has died, aged 74.
When WWAV (now Rapp) first opened its doors in 1982, Brown was head of marketing at mail order firm Grattan, part of GUS. A week after launch, he visited the London agency – with JDA founder Judith Donovan – and Grattan soon became one of WWAV’s first clients, with Brown handing the nascent business an agent recruitment direct mail campaign.
Grattan remained a client of early WWAV and grew as the agency grew, including going through the changes when George Davies of Next reversed into Grattan and launched the Next Directory.
When WWAV expanded to launch WWAV North in Leeds, Brown was poached from Grattan to set up the agency with Helen Simpson. And, despite the initial concerns of then GUS chief executive David Jones, managed to bring the Grattan account with him.
WWAV North grew rapidly under Brown and Simpson, attracting clients such as Prospero, Next, and BUPA. Simpson said: “True to his Yorkshire roots, he didn’t over complicate, he knew right from wrong and encouraged his colleagues to get it right as often as possible.”
When Chris Gordon – later to become chief executive of WWAV Rapp Collins – was recruited to start WWAV Scotland, Brown’s mentoring skills were once more called upon. Gordon said: “He had a lovely, warm engaging personality, which was built from his love of family, horse racing, rugby league, Yorkshire and his work. This well-rounded man (in all ways!) gave us wise counsel and great laughs.”
Brown was a passionate sportsman, and during his retirement became a racehorse owner, with more than a few notable wins. His annual day at York Races became a legend among direct marketers who also liked the races.
According to WWAV co-founder John Watson, Brown was “instrumental in the success of WWAV in the Eighties”. He added: “Gordon quietly led and mentored both Helen and Chris as they built two great and distinct WWAV agencies in Leeds and Edinburgh. He will be sorely missed by his many friends in direct marketing.”
As one of Gordon’s two daughters…. it is is so lovely to read such tributes about Dad. In the 51 days that he was poorly so many of his Grattan and WWAV colleagues were in touch with Dad by letter or visits and created some very special times and lots of laughs in the last few weeks of his life. It was equally touching to see so many of his work friends at his funeral in Harrogate and donating so generously to his chosen charities of Alzheimer’s and St Gemma’s and raising over £500. Thank-you to all those friends and colleagues for all your kindness and support …. Alison and Family