Batey widens its hunt for new CEO to succeed Kay

<P>SINGAPORE: The search for Robert Kay's successor is underway, after the Batey CEO revealed to Media that he would depart the agency for the UK by the end of 2006 (Media, April 21).</P> <P><BR>According to Kay, the decision to return to the UK was prompted by family commitments. He leaves Batey one year after taking the top job, and five years after joining the agency from Australia's Campaign Palace. </P> <P><BR>"I believe that there is much that we can achieve before the time comes for me to go.  Batey will also benefit significantly from new leadership, and the new ideas and opportunities that our engagement with JWT Group, and Michael Maedel specifically, will present," said Kay.</P> <P><BR>Kay's departure follows the integration of Batey into sister WPP network JWT earlier this year after a turbulent period at the agency. The agency has lost key business from the likes of Singapore Tourism Board, OCBC and StarHub over recent years, making up some ground with the 2005 win of department store Metro.</P> <P><BR>"Our senior client partners have already been engaged on my planned departure, and on the succession management process already well underway," added Kay. "The 'new Batey' will excite, challenge, and motivate, and I'm sure will enjoy much success."</P>