Email Banner or not...why the change??

Hi


I've recently noticed that some email marketers have stopped including an email 'banner' at the top of their emails. It used to contain a head shot, logo of their brand etc. These would be marketers that are well known in their niche with their own products, websites etc. So they have stopped including those in their daily emails. Can those of you who are experienced in this field tell me what would be the reason for this? Is it something to do with deliverability? Or is there some other change? They are very successful and knowledgeable so there must be a reason. I must say though as a recipient of their emails, the emails now seem less professional, less attractive and obviously less brand-strong to me than before. Now they look a bit boring and like any other run of the mill email (just script and links)


I am asking this as I am currently setting up an online business myself (will be focusing on email marketing) and I thought that from a brand point of view that the use of a banner was great. However if its better for me not to include one, for some reason,then I won't bother having one designed. Many thanks in advance for your help!