According to industry sources, there is a strong likelihood that Harris will take the reins at JWT. "I work for a large organisation. Somewhere in that organisation, someone is thinking of the next chapter, and at this point I don't have any knowledge of what's next," said Harris.
Under Harris' helm, Contract, which was started as a more creative alternative to JWT, was seen by industry watchers to take a direction more readily associated with its larger sibling. Which was hardly surprising - Harris spent all 25 years of his career in advertising at JTW. He has several successful agency turnarounds under his belt - he was responsible for JWT's offices at both Chennai and Colombo and left both offices more profitable and creatively sound.
Associates at Contract, while saying the agency has lost some of its creative focus, admit that it is now a leaner, more profitable outfit.
Harris has focused on making the divisions of Contract that cater to the non-advertising side of the business more profitable, and admits to preferring awards for effectiveness over those for creativity.