Linda Locke leaves Leo Burnett

ASIA-PACIFIC Linda Locke has been forced to relinquish her role as regional ECD at Leo Burnett after nearly a decade at the agency, as part of the Publicis Groupe agency's global shake-up of its executive suite.

The worldwide restructuring, which aims to streamline the network's operations in hopes of spurring growth, has resulted in the axing of the regional ECD role, according to regional president Michelle Kristula-Green. "We are looking at redefining the regional structure and one role affected is that of the regional ECD. Linda will be here until the first half of the year, working on projects. We will be looking at creative people in key markets to play a bigger role," said Kristula-Green, adding that other changes in Asia had yet to be finalised.

As part of the global revamp, Burnett is officially aligning its traditional Burnett advertising network and its Arc Worldwide marketing services offices under one corporate umbrella. In some parts of the world, this means appointing managers to oversee both Burnett and Arc.

However, in Asia, Kristula-Green will continue as president of Burnett Asia-Pacific, with Charles Cadell continuing to head Arc. "The industry has always been organised by geography. Our new structure will allow us to focus on our main markets," she added.

Greg Paull, principal, R3, commented: "This restructuring has to lead to more efficiencies. Clients don't have the time or energy to deal with multi-headed agencies."

See Opinion 2, page 35