M&C Saatchi confirmed in a regulatory filing this week that Moray MacLennan has informed the company that he is stepping down as CEO and that the agreed departure date is September 30. 

MacLennan has been with the London-based agency since it was founded 28 years ago and became CEO in 2021. 

The Board will launch a formal executive search to find a new CEO, which could take up to 12 months to complete, the agency stated.  

Until the new CEO is identified Zillah Byng-Thorne, currently Non-Executive Chair, will act as Executive Chair of the company upon MacLennan’s departure. 

Commenting on the development, Byng-Thorne, stated: "On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Moray for his contribution to M&C Saatchi, from the founding of the Company in 1995 through to his current role as Chief Executive Officer. His leadership has seen the Company not just stabilize but deliver record profits and establish strong foundations for future growth." 

MacLennan added: "It has been a rare privilege to work for three decades with people I respect and like, creating work that has had an extraordinary impact on the world. M&C Saatchi is well set for the future and now is the right time to make way for fresh energy and ideas. Thanks to all past and present, and to those in the future who I know will keep the M&C Saatchi flame burning bright."