• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, September 15, 2016

Linda Sawyer, Chairman of Deutsch, will depart the agency by year’s end, the Interpublic shop confirmed today. 

Sawyer is a 27-year veteran of the agency, has won numerous awards and is recognized as one of the industry’s brighter lights. She was CEO for a decade until she stepped into the chairman’s role in January. Mike Sheldon, who had headed the Deutsch LA operation, succeeded her as CEO. He’ll take the chairman’s title as well after Sawyer’s departure. 

“Anyone who knows Linda is aware that she combines a great understanding of our industry with a dynamic management style. That’s why she’s been able to build a fantastic team at Deutsch during her long tenure at the agency,” stated Michael Roth, Chairman and CEO of Interpublic. “She’s a fierce protector of her people and her agency, as well as a partner who clients know will always make their success her top priority. Along with everyone at Deutsch, I thank Linda for her dedication and commitment.” 

Sawyer isn’t riding off into the sunset. In a statement, she made reference to starting up an ecommerce venture: “Deutsch’s ambition to innovate and pioneer change is ingrained in our culture. With our succession plans in place, Mike’s strong leadership and a dynamic and wildly talented management line up, the agency is well poised for the next chapter. It’s an ideal time for me to pursue a new challenge and I will be launching an exciting and highly disruptive ecommerce venture to be announced in the Spring. I will fondly miss my Deutsch family but will always be rooting behind the scenes.” 

Added Sheldon: “Linda has nurtured Deutsch’s independent culture and been a selfless contributor in making the advertising industry stronger and more diverse. She will be leaving an amazing legacy. Knowing Linda, her next adventure is going to be a game changer."