Pitcher leaves JWT three years after taking on the position. "I am very happy with what I have accomplished here in terms of restructuring the region, and in terms of our creative and financial performance," he said.
His departure follows the relocation of JWT International president Michael Maedel from London to Singapore in 2006. Industry observers noted that the overlap between their roles made Pitcher's move "inevitable".
Maedel confirmed that Pitcher's position would not be filled. "One of the advantages is that with me being here, we can move to a much flatter structure," he said.
Pitcher arrived at JWT shortly after departing his regional CEO role at Saatchi & Saatchi, where he spent 22 years. His departure comes as JWT India ECD Bruce Matchett - a Pitcher appointee - leaves the agency, with former David chairman Josy Paul coming on board to take his position.
In a separate development, JWT China has inked a strategic alliance with Shanghai PR firm Zenith, which will see the two share revenue on work referred by the WPP agency.
"They have a strategic capability that we can help them develop," said JWT Northeast Asia area director Tom Doctoroff.
"Given the right circumstances, we would be interested in pursuing a deeper financial relationship."
It is also believed that JWT is currently pursuing other acquisitions in Beijing, Vietnam and India.
