Bess has been at WPP Group-owned Young & Rubicam since 1999, joining first as chairman and chief executive of the Diversified Communications Group. Two years later, he took the role of chairman and chief executive of the New York office of Young & Rubicam Advertising, but was succeeded in this job in February of this year by Michael Patti.
Prior to joining Y&R, Bess worked at the Chicago office of Foote, Cone & Belding, which is now owned by the Interpublic Group. There are no plans to replace him.
Also leaving Young & Rubicam is Robb High, who is marketing director for North America, to pursue other interests. He joined the agency last year from Kirshenbaum Bond & Partners, where he was chief operating officer.
According to reports, June Blocklin, vice-chairman and managing partner on the AT&T account, will take over High's responsibilities in the short term, working with new chairwoman and chief executive Ann Fudge to reorganise the new-business operations.
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