Royal Mail chief Antony Miller exits

Antony Miller has become the first high-profile casualty at Royal Mail’s MarketReach operation, with the head of marketing being ousted just six months after the business was relaunched to broaden direct mail’s appeal.
Miller, the industry face of Royal Mail for many years, has been at the company for the best part of a decade. He was head of media development for four years before taking up his most recent role.
During his time, the former Mail Media Centre was relaunched twice, most recently changing its name and bolstering its services to both clients and agencies.
The latest relaunch sparked uproar among some agencies, which accused Royal Mail of abusing its position to snatch away client business from them.
The uproar was sparked after the company sent out a glossy mailing campaign promoting its ‘agency’ services.
The mailpack, which heralded MarketReach as “a new media company that will help you realise the potential of mail”, promoted a range of services in direct competition to agencies. It read: “We are a world class team of planners, creatives, data and production people all in one place.”
The furore broke just before former agency chief Jonathan Harman took up the role of managing director of the unit, and was one of the first issues he had to deal with on his arrival. Harman, however, is quoted as saying that “Miller played an important role” in setting up the business.
Royal Mail head of marketing and commercial strategy Ben Rhodes will assume responsibility for marketing activity at MarketReach until a successor is appointed.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the postal operator has kicked off yet another statutory review of its direct and digital accounts. Held by Proximity London for more than eight years, the new contract will run for four years.

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