Saatchis worldwide strategy director Dundas quits

by Joanne Oatts, Brand Republic 15-Aug-06, 09:00

LONDON - Saatchi & Saatchi's worldwide strategy director Kevin Dundas is leaving the Publicis Groupe agency after seven years.

Dundas, who had been working out of the London office, joined the agency in 1999 as executive planning director and was appointed chief executive in 2003.

He was made worldwide strategy director at the beginning of last year and was replaced by Lee Daley, former Red Cell chief executive, who was appointed as chairman and chief executive of Saatchis' UK operation.

Kevin Roberts, Saatchis worldwide chief executive, announced Dundas' departure. A memo from Roberts, circulated to staff, said: "I will advise you within the next week of how we will run and structure the planning function moving forward."

Roberts is expected to fill the post shortly and hire from within.

Dundas said his reasons for stepping down were that after 20 years in the industry and the constant travelling, it was time for a break.

Before Saatchis, Dundas held senior posts at Foote, Cone & Belding in San Francisco, and Saatchis in San Francisco from 1993-1995.

Earlier in his career, the planner spent 10 years in the London office of Young & Rubicam.

If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the Forum.