M&C Saatchi chair to step down

(Sharecast News) - Ad agency M&C Saatchi has announced that its non-exec chair Zillah Byng-Thorne is to step down from the company next month. Byng-Thorne, who joined the board in 2023, said she would step down due to other executive and non-executive commitments and increased regulatory responsibilities.

At M&C Saatchi's annual general meeting on 15 May, she will be replaced by Heather Rabbatts, currently a senior independent director of the company.

Rabbatts is said to hold "extensive experience" in a number of executive and non-executive positions across media, sport, local government and infrastructure.

Commenting on Byng-Thorne's departure, Rabbatts said: "Having joined the company at a crossroads, her enthusiasm and experience has been the driving force behind M&C Saatchi's transformation strategy which was initiated during her time as executive chair.

"We are particularly grateful for her successful leadership, guidance and execution of the strategy in building a future growth model for our stakeholders and our brand which is now primed for the next stage of growth."

M&C Saatchi's share price was down 0.6% lower at 161.5p by 0952 GMT.