Universal McCann AP chief departs

Sydney-based regional director of Universal McCann Asia Pacific Allan Medforth will part company with the agency later this month. The move was prompted by a request from president and worldwide CEO Nick Brien, who was eager for Medforth to relocate to Asia in order to be closer to a host of developing markets. "It is my view that regional management in Asia Pacific should be close to major developing markets and located more centrally in the region," Brien said in a statement. Medforth's decision not to relocate was believed to be prompted by personal reasons. Until a replacement is found, the Asia Pacific operation will report to Brien, based in New York.