CEO Markus Pekeler leaves TBWA Switzerland with immediate effect

Markus Pekeler, the CEO of TBWA Group Switzerland, is stepping down from his post at the agency network with immediate effect after more than five years. A successor has not been announced. Urs Strukov, CFO of TBWA Switzerland, told Werbewoche: "We have a well-functioning management team that can take over." He justified the short-term announcement of Pekeler's departure by saying that TBWA wanted to communicate things when they were current. Strukov left open the time horizon until the CEO position is filled, noting that they will communicate in due course. According to a media release with a blocking period until February 2 at noon, Pekeler had completely realigned the group during his time as CEO and thus made it fit for the future. He is now looking for new challenges. Pekeler is quoted in the communiqué as saying: "My long 10-year journey in this group from Impuls Küsnacht via Saatchi & Saatchi via BDDP to today's TBWA Switzerland was a great, exciting adventure. However, the daily business in an increasingly restrictive international network structure has increasingly restricted my drive and freedom. I desperately need fresh air and it is therefore time for a real 'disruption' in my life. The new path is still open. For now, I'm giving myself plenty of time for new ideas and my own projects." Strukov declined to comment on Pekeler's plans beyond that statement. In the statement, Nick Baum, president of TBWA Western Europe, emphasized the previous CEO's achievements for the company, calling him an inspiring and proactive partner.