DIY chain reassesses its advertising requirements hot on the heels of the departure of marketing director Jo Kenrick.
After six years with marketing agency JWT, B&Q is reviewing its advertising contract worth an estimated £40m.

The company is currently drawing up a shortlist of agencies with the help of the AAR Group, and an appointment is expected by summer 2009.

JWT will repitch for the contract, although while the review is conducted, B&Q has appointed Rapier to a strategic project.

The news follows the departure of marketing director Jo Kenrick at the end of December as the result of a board restructure. Her responsibilities will be handed over to Rob Bacon later this year when he joins the company from as customer and employee brand director.

B&Q's director of brand advertising, Warren Scarr said: "As everyone is well aware, the retail marketplace is extremely competitive, and we owe it to our staff and shareholders to ensure that we are working with an agency that best meets our needs in both the current environment and the longer term."

Its relationship with media agencies ZenithOptimedia and Mediaedge:CIA remain unaffected by the review.