Jon Sharpe resigns from VMLY&R whilst under investigation

Jon Sharpe, European chief executive at newly merged agency VMLY&R, has resigned his position whilst under a disciplinary investigation.

WPP merged digital agency VML and creative agency Y&R in September, as part of ongoing efforts to streamline the advertising giant’s global digital and creative offerings.

In a statement, VMLY&R said: “Jon Sharpe has resigned from VMLY&R during the course of a disciplinary process and while suspended from the company. Following reports received from employees a formal investigation was launched, using external counsel.
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“As a business we have procedures to ensure people can speak up in confidence, and to protect the anonymity of those who raise concerns we will not provide further details.”

Sharpe, who was CEO at VML Europe prior to the merger, won the chief executive position over Y&R London’s former CEO Paul Lawson. Lawson was later dropped from the new agency, alongside Y&R London’s chief creative officer Jonathan Burley and managing director Katie Lee.

In response to the news, Sharpe told Campaign: “I have resigned from VMLY&R to pursue new opportunities. I strenuously deny the reports received and have vigorously defended myself against them. I will be making no further comment at this time.”