Craze Steps Down From Aegis After Fifteen Years
Mark Craze has unexpectedly resigned as chief executive of Aegis UK and Ireland after fifteen years at the helm of the global advertising network.
His departure comes less than six months after the company parted ways with EMEA joint chief executives, Bruno Kemoun and Eryck Rebbouh, who reportedly resigned after a disagreement over future strategy.
Craze, who is leaving to pursue other career interests, joined Aegis fifteen years ago as managing director. He subsequently became chief executive of Carat Group and was then promoted to the top role at Aegis Media UK & Ireland, where he oversaw the Carat and Vizeum media networks.
Commenting on his departure, Aegis Media chief executive, Jerry Buhlmann, said: “Mark has contributed a great deal to the success and development of Aegis in the UK. During his successful career he has continued to grow and expand our UK and Ireland operations and has always been a true professional. We wish him well in the future.”
Craze added: “I have had a great time with Aegis, but after 15 years I felt the time was right to move on to other career challenges. This is a very amicable departure and I am proud to leave Aegis Media UK & Ireland in very good health.”
The latest Worldwide Media Agency Networks report from RECMA shows that Aegis Media saw billings increase by 15.5% last year to $19.6 billion. However, the global holding company still trials a long way behind the likes of Publicis and WPP, which both recorded billings in excess of $30 billion during 2003.
Last month Publicis-owned ZenithOptimedia appointed Steve King as chief executive of its global operations following the announcement that John Perriss is stepping down after more than fifteen years at the global media services company (see ZenithOptimedia Appoints King As Global Chief Executive).
Aegis Group: 020 7070 7700 www.aegisplc.com
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