Burns to leave JWT London for US

JWT London chief executive Alison Burns is leaving the agency after months of speculation about her impending departure. She will take on the role of global client services director based at JWT’s New York office.

JWT London chief executive Alison Burns (pictured) is leaving the agency after months of speculation about her impending departure. She will take on the role of global client services director based at JWT’s New York office.

It is believed that she will remain in her London post until the beginning of next year. Toby Hoare, JWT executive chairman, has begun a search for her replacement.

The departure comes after Burns denied mounting rumours that she would be leaving the London office for a position in the US (MW April 13).

This year JWT regained the advertising business for Baileys and its flagship Original Irish Cream, after five years with Bartle Bogle Hegarty.

Last month JWT took 100% ownership of direct marketing network RMG Connect. Previously, the ownership of the agency had been split between WPP sister agencies Ogilvy and Wunderman.

JWT had held the majority share with 51%, followed by Ogilvy with 39% and Wunderman with 10%.