Bell Pottinger CEO denies pre-warnings over Gupta work
Bell Pottinger CEO, James Henderson says he disagrees with the PR giant's co-founder regarding the company's decision to take on the Guptas as clients.
Henderson told a trade industry magazine that Bell Pottinger completely disagrees with Lord Tim Bell's version of events.
Bell told PR Week that the firm ignored his warning not to take on the Guptas, as the briefed sounded 'smelly'.
Bell Pottinger has been accused of stoking racial tension in South Africa.
The company cut ties with Oakbay earlier this year after social media attacks on the firm.
ALSO READ: DA wants full disclosure of Bell Pottinger campaign
Lord Bell told PR Week that the Gupta-owned Oakbay account was one of the reasons for his departure.
He slammed Henderson's statement that he was mislead by lead manager, Victoria Geoghegan, who was dismissed last week.
Bell said Henderson is the CEO and it's his job to know what's going on. Henderson says senior management has been mislead about what has been done.
Henderson says an investigation is underway to review the account and work done on Oakbay. He says the findings will be published - adding that the interim evidence has left the company dismayed.