Bell Pottinger chief exits ahead of Gupta report
James Henderson quits ahead of report on public relations firm’s handling of a campaign on behalf of Gupta business
The CEO of Bell Pottinger has stood down ahead of the publication of an independent report into its work with the Gupta family, which has damaged the reputation of one of the City of London’s best-known public relation firms. CEO James Henderson, a significant shareholder in Bell Pottinger, confirmed that he had left the role at the weekend. Henderson’s position has been in question since he issued an "unequivocal" apology in July related to allegations that the firm had stirred up racial tension in SA through its messaging on behalf of Oakbay, a Gupta-controlled company. South African media and civil society groups accused the firm of presenting opponents of the Guptas and President Jacob Zuma as "white monopoly capital", including engineering fake social media profiles amplifying attacks. Bell Pottinger left the account in April, but the scandal had already cost it clients including Investec and Richemont. Four Bell Pottinger workers were dismissed or suspended in July after law f...
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