HEADHUNT IS ON FOR DISGRACED EX-BANKERS
SOME in the City might be surprised by Sir Fred Goodwin’s decision to re-enter the business world, as revealed on the front page of City PM today, but it seems headhunters will be rubbing their hands with glee.
Take former HBOS chief Andy Hornby, who was also strung up by the public for his role in his own bank’s unhappy fall from grace, for example. Not only did Hornby land himself a cushy new position at the helm of Alliance Boots, but he was also inundated with rival offers (though I hear all were in the retail sector rather than from the banking world, given his lengthy past experience at Asda).
As one chum of Hornby’s puts it: “It’s great when there’s a scandal around – people think headhunters wouldn’t touch those involved with a bargepole, but it’s actually a great opportunity to secure high-quality talent for less, since people are so preoccupied with reputation.”
A trifle dubious, perhaps, but if it really is the case, The Shred is going to have to start beating them off with a stick.
GLAMOUR GIRL
Speaking of headhunting, Channel Five really is lining up the lovelies to push its news agenda, isn’t it?
The latest beauty to sign up for a stint on the channel, in the wake of newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky’s much-publicised £1m-a-year role, is none other than Kate Walsh, the runner-up in the latest series of Sir Alan Sugar’s The Apprentice. Walsh will be fronting the broadcaster’s new evening magazine show, “Live from Studio Five”, alongside former footballer Ian Wright and presenter Melinda Messenger – involving a nightly round-up of news and showbiz stories in Five’s usual über-relaxed style.
It’s a shame for the City, mind, since I hear the lovely Ms Walsh was approached by several Square Mile firms before turning them down for the more glamorous option.
CREATIVE JUICE
Is there no end to the weird and wonderful things the world of Twitter has to offer?
I hear the social networking site has now extended its tentacles to the Royal Opera House, where planning for September’s Deloitte Ignite festival is currently well underway.
Apparently, the Twitterati are being encouraged to let their creative juices flow and tweet their way to the world’s first online opera story – excerpts from which will be performed at the Royal Opera House as part of the festival on 3-5 September, set to music by composer Helen Porter.
“It’s the people’s opera and the perfect way for everyone to become involved with the inventiveness of opera as the ultimate form of storytelling,” an ROH spokeswoman preens. “Expect the unexpected.”
Interested parties should search for @youropera to exercise their operatic flair.
HAIR TODAY…
There are rather drastic plans for celebration afoot at Octopus Investments, which tells me it hopes to break through the £1bn barrier for funds under management later this week.
Apparently, managing director Guy Myles and chief executive Simon Rogerson are marking the occasion by shaving their heads bare in the office in front of their staff – though whether the move is down to pure dedication or a burning desire to scare fellow City folk with a skin’ed is anyone’s guess.
Next thing you know, they’ll be bringing in a tattoo artist to finish the job.
JET SETTER
All hail the jet-setting Lord Mandelson, who proudly accessorised the start of his stint at deputising for Prime Minister Gordon Brown yesterday with a pinker-than-usual “suntan”.
Fresh from his holiday in Corfu, where he was entertained by billionaire financier Lord Rothschild and his son Nat, Mandy looked the picture of health – in stark contrast to our Gordon, whose under-eye bags are enough to frighten small children.
Plus, of course, the business secretary’s sunburn and sandals combination was the perfect advertisement for Brits abroad…
RUGBY LEAGUE
Rugby fans should clear some space in their diaries on Thursday, for the Harlequins are coming to town.
Yep, ETF Securities has organised the Square Mile’s very first touch rugby tournament at the HAC Artillery Ground, to promote Rugby League in the City.
The 12 teams which have signed up to compete in the tournament, including usually star names such as Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse, will battle it out in a three hour contest – and what’s more, each team will be assigned a professional Harlequins Rugby League player as a coach. The organisers are expecting up to 200 spectators on the day, but if the City teams are expecting all the pressure will come from the sidelines, they’re very much mistaken.
“My players are incredibly competitive by nature,” Harlequins head coach Brian McDermott tells me. “Already they’re starting to niggle each other about whose team will win…” Let the games begin.
WACKY DRESSERS
And finally, a call to arms for readers who reckon they know a colleague or friend with the craziest dress sense in the City.
Following the success of The Capitalist’s recent rundowns of the top ten hunkiest gents and loveliest ladies in the City – which caused quite a stir among you jaded Square Milers – another piece of unashamedly frivolous fun is heading your way (well, they do call it the “silly season”, after all).
We’re now taking nominations for a list of the top ten wackiest dressers in the City, to be published next week – so any ideas would be welcome at the [email protected]. Just don’t forget to include photographic evidence…