Langdon's surprise appointment last week immediately sparked rumours that executives at Euro RSCG London were nervous about the axe being swung. Long has already left the agency, with no word at this stage of what he is to do next.
Jim Heekin, chairman and CEO of Euro RSCG Worldwide, said: "I have asked Ben Langdon to work together with Chris Pinnington to lead the UK group and in particular to focus on growth in our advertising business."
He added: "In discussions with Nigel it became clear that there was no room for both Ben and Nigel in the advertising business, and we have sadly therefore decided to part company."
He added that he was confident that Nigel would go on to be a great success in the business.
Long was originally chief executive of Partners BDDH before parent company Havas merged the agency with what was then Euro RSCG Wnek Gosper Partners in August last year.
In a statement issued by Euro RSCG, Langdon indicated that no other senior managers were on the block at this time.
"I am focused on working with the existing management team of Euro RSCG London -- Nick Hastings, Malcolm White, Simon Toaldo and Adam Leigh -- to build the best agency in London. I am also looking forward to working with Chris Pinnington to build the best communications group in the UK," Langdon said.
Langdon's appointment to the role of chairman at Euro RSCG Worldwide London has only added to the perception that he is a ruthless businessman. In the process of accepting the job, which sees him reunited with his former McCann-Erickson colleague Heekin, he has abandoned his 10-week-old agency Ben Mark Orlando, founded with former Euro RSCG creative chief Mark Wnek.
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