In a new development in the digital and direct marketing show battle between CMPi and Reed Exhibitions, Chris James, exhibition director of the International Direct Marketing Fair (IDMF) and proposed new launch the E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Expo (ECDM), has left Reed for a client services director role at marketing agency Lorien Unique.

The move comes just weeks after it was revealed that Reed planned to launch an offensive on CMPi’s Internet World (IW), following the popular digital show’s split from the IDMF to go it alone at London’s Olympia next year.

The IDMF and IW were previously co-located at Earl’s Court, and Reed’s response to the split was to announce the launch of a new partner for the IDMF, in the form of the ECDM, directly pitched against IW. Following the announcement, James was strident in his condemnation of IW’s decision to go solo, telling EVENTS:review: “I feel this was the wrong decision and one that CMPi will regret.”

However, James’ departure must surely shed doubt on the future on ECDM, particularly in light of recent comments from CMPi that a high proportion of IW exhibitors have already rebooked for the 2009 show, which will run at the same time as the IDMF and Reed’s proposed new show.