She will be replaced by Laura Desmond, the CEO of SMG's Americas operation, in January.
The former chair of the American 4As Media Policy Committee plans to take a one-year sabbatical to spend more time with her family.
She said in a statement: "While family matters are private, one of my personal goals is to uncover some new ways of thinking about talent/opportunity alignment, specifically which triggers, emotions and assignments can more quickly propel the right people into the best roles."
“Jack Klues [the chairman of Publicis Groupe Media] and I have agreed that a sabbatical will allow me the best of both worlds. I can contribute more energy to the things that matter in my personal life while still having the option to bring fresh eyes and perspective back to a company and an industry that has meant a lot to me over the last three decades."
Desmond takes the top job at Starcom having spent 20-years at the media network, rising to CEO of Starcom Americans in 2006, a role McCann vacated in 2005.
"I was not expecting to fill the global CEO role at this point in my career," said Desmond, who becomes one the youngest CEOs in media. “But the fact that I am prepared to do it is a testament to Renetta McCann, to the remarkable talent that populates this network, and to the forward-thinking clients that have challenged and inspired me to constantly ‘up my game.’
McCann relinquishes Starcom top job
CHICAGO - Renetta McCann (pictured) is stepping down three years into her role as global chief executive of Starcom MediaVest Group to take a break from the industry.
