The Drum can reveal that Neil Griffiths, the former chief executive of BDH\\TBWA, is in talks to join Cheshire-based agency Oakbase.

Griffiths has been the subject of mounting speculation over the last month, with many predicting the former BDH frontman was on the verge of launching his own company. However, it has now emerged that Griffiths has met with the Oakbase directors with a view to him joining their 30-strong team.

When quizzed over the possible appointment, Oakbase director Paul Mizon said: “We are talking to lots of people about joining us at the moment and Neil is one of them. However, we are in the very early stages and have only had one meeting with him so far.”

Opinion is split as to whether Griffiths is being lined up to become the agency’s managing director or chief executive, although Mizon’s comments suggest a deal is far from complete at this stage.

Griffiths left BDH – now TBWA\\Manchester – in September 2006, just a few days before the agency announced the arrival of Robert Harwood-Matthews as his successor. Having completed a period of gardening leave, he is now free to make his return to the industry.