Jonathan French, who was criticised by RMJM in leaked email, jumps ship to architect Woods Bagot
RMJM boss Jonathan French has quit to join rival architect Woods Bagot after an email from RMJM鈥檚 most senior leadership appearing to question his abilities as a top executive was leaked.
French has been appointed as regional executive chair for Europe at Woods Bagot after he left his post as chief executive of Europe at RMJM.
Earlier this month, an email from RMJM chief executive Peter Morrison to RMJM commercial director Declan Thompson discussing who should lead the firm鈥檚 newly merged international division leaked.
In the email Morrison, referring to French, said: 鈥淭here is no way that we can give a big job to a guy that doesn鈥檛 know the difference between cash and revenue. That鈥檚 before we talk about his refusal to travel economy.
鈥淎lso the fact that he is paying himself before others in Europe is bound to get out which will be a disaster in Europe. Consider that alone alongside the sacrifices that you, me/Nick [Haston] etc have taken re salary. Give some thought to how we position him and lets [sic] talk.鈥�
French had only been appointed to his position at RMJM in February this year.
At the time French told 黑洞社区鈥檚 sister title BD he felt the leaked email was 鈥渁n attempt to discredit鈥� him both 鈥渆xternally and internally鈥�.
He told 黑洞社区: 鈥淚 am deeply saddened to find myself at the centre of this bizarre situation.鈥�
Following his appointment at Woods Bagot French said: 鈥淲oods Bagot has a proven track record of international success. The firm鈥檚 global reach, combined with its specialist sector focus puts it in a strong position to exploit market opportunities. I am excited to join such a talented team and look forward to helping the practice thrive.鈥�
Thompson told BD that he felt 鈥渓et down鈥� by French鈥檚 decision to join Woods Bagot and that he was 鈥渟urprised鈥� to hear about the move in the press.
He added: 鈥淗e [French] didn鈥檛 need to go. He could have stayed.鈥�
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