Whyte quits McCann Erickson
McCann Erickson London chief executive Stephen Whyte has resigned from the agency after four years. He does not have a job to go to.
The agency has already promoted Chris Macdonald, McCann managing director, to replace Whyte. Macdonald, who has been with the agency since 2005, will take over the role with immediate effect.
Whyte’s departure comes less than a year after the arrival of Brett Gosper (pictured), who took over the role of group chairman Europe, Middle East and Africa in September last year. He replaced Rupert Howell, who left the agency and later joined ITV as managing director of brand and commercial operations.
Whyte, a former chief executive of Leo Burnett, was promoted to chief executive in April 2004 to replace Chris Hunton. He joined the Interpublic-owned agency in 2002, where he was client services director of McCann’s European operation.
He began his career in 1985 at Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO. Following stints as Leagas Delaney, Still Price Lintas and GGT Advertising, he joined Leo Burnett as the managing director, rising to chief executive in 2001. However, he left the in March 2002 and replaced by Bruce Haines.
