Dentsu has confirmed that Rachel McDonald has stepped down as Managing Director of dentsu North.
There are currently no plans to replace her, with the 700 staff in the North now reporting to its UK and Ireland CEO, Euan Jarvie.
McDonald became Managing Director 3 years ago, after almost 20 years at MediaVest and then Carat Manchester. Under her leadership, there was double digital growth at Dentsu North.
“After nearly 20 years working at the business in its various guises, I have decided that now is the right time to step down,” she said
“I have loved every moment of working with this incredibly talented team of people and I am extremely proud of everything that we have achieved especially in establishing our position as the largest agency group outside of London.
“I look forward to seeing the business, all its people and its clients go from strength-to-strength as I explore a new and exciting chapter in my own career.”
The news comes just weeks after Carat CEO, Jo Sutherland announced her decision to leave the Dentsu Network. It also follows a time of “accelerated transformation” for the group in the UK and around the world.
This includes unifying its UK and Ireland operations, with their 10 offices locations in Aberdeen, Belfast, Bristol, Derby, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle & Stafford.
Euan Jarvie, CEO, dentsu UK & Ireland has been working with McDonald and the dentsu North leadership team “to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities.”
“Rachel has built a reputation for developing innovative thinking and building successful partnerships with a whole host of clients which has been pivotal to the success of dentsu North. She has also played an active role in setting the agenda for our business culturally playing an active role in our Women in Leadership and Diversity and Inclusion programmes,” said Jarvie.
“Rachel leaves behind a strong leadership and agency culture that will stands us in good stead as we look to bring our diverse UK business closer together. We all wish her well in the next stage of her career.”
