MPRM Sues 42West Over Leadership Team Raid
- Mark Pogachefsky, president of MPRM Communications, is suing 42West and several former employees following a mass departure that included much of MPRM's leadership team and key clients like...
- Pogachefsky had been planning to retire and was in negotiations to sell MPRM to its senior leaders.
- The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims that Sylvia Desrochers and other former MPRM employees conspired to steal clients while still employed by the company.
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MPRM Sues 42West Following Mass Exodus of Leadership and Clients
What Happened?
Mark Pogachefsky, president of MPRM Communications, is suing 42West and several former employees following a mass departure that included much of MPRM’s leadership team and key clients like Disney, NBC, and National Geographic. The lawsuit alleges a purposeful plot to cripple MPRM and sabotage a potential sale of the company.
Pogachefsky had been planning to retire and was in negotiations to sell MPRM to its senior leaders. When those negotiations stalled - Pogachefsky believed the offer was too low – he began exploring other options. Though, the situation dramatically changed when the entire leadership team left for 42West, taking numerous clients with them.
The Allegations: A Detailed Breakdown
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims that Sylvia Desrochers and other former MPRM employees conspired to steal clients while still employed by the company. MPRM alleges the use of trade secrets and confidential facts to benefit 42West. The complaint specifically accuses the defendants of intentionally damaging MPRM’s business prospects and disrupting the sale process.
According to the complaint, the defendants engaged in a coordinated effort to solicit MPRM’s clients and induce them to switch their business to 42West. This alleged activity occurred while the former employees were still under contract with MPRM, creating a breach of fiduciary duty.
Who is Affected?
- MPRM Communications: Faces critically important financial and reputational damage due to the loss of leadership and clients.
- Mark Pogachefsky: His retirement plans have been disrupted, and he is now involved in a legal battle.
- 42West: Faces legal scrutiny and potential financial penalties if the lawsuit is successful.
- Disney, NBC, National Geographic (and other clients): Their PR portrayal has shifted from MPRM to 42West, potentially requiring adjustments in communication strategies.
- The Entertainment PR Industry: The case may set a precedent for handling employee and client poaching in the competitive entertainment public relations landscape.
Timeline of events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Prior to May 2024 | Mark Pogachefsky begins planning retirement and exploring sale of MPRM. |
| May 2024 (early) | Negotiations with MPRM’s senior leaders to purchase the company fall through. |
| May 2024 (Recent) | MPRM’s leadership team departs for 42West, taking clients with them. |
| May 2024 (Friday) | MPRM files lawsuit against 42West and former employees in Los Angeles Superior Court. |