Pottinger chief Henderson quits over S Africa campaign

The chief executive of one of the UK's best known public relations firms has stood down amid claims it stirred up racial tensions in South Africa.

James Henderson, the boss of Bell Pottinger, resigned weeks after the firm was founded by a UK body to be in breach of an industry code of conduct.

South Africa's main opposition party criticised a media campaign the PR firm ran for the wealthy Gupta family. Mr Henderson said that while he was not involved, he must take responsibility.

South Africa's Democratic Alliance party accused Bell Pottinger of a "hateful and divisive campaign to divide South Africa along the lines of race".

It said the PR firm emphasised the power of white-owned businesses in the campaign, which used the #WhiteMonopolyCapital hashtag. In July, Mr Henderson issued an "unequivocal" apology and four staff were dismissed or suspended.

The firm, which has a global presence and major international clients, has lost some big accounts over the affair, including luxury goods company Richemont and the Investec investment company.

UCJ, UNILORIN.