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The shock departure comes just a week after Aegis-owned agency, Carat, sealed the £10m WHSmith media account.

Jerry Buhlmann, chief executive at Aegis Media, said: “Mark has contributed a great deal to the success and development of Aegis in the UK.

“During his successful career spanning more than 15 years with the group he has continued to grow and expanded our UK and Ireland operations and has always been a true professional. We wish him well in the future.”

Craze joined Aegis in the late-1980s, first as managing director at Carat before taking full control of the agency as chief executive.

Craze said: “I have had a great time with Aegis, but after 15 years I felt the time was right to move on to other career challenges.

“This is a very amicable departure and I am proud to leave Aegis Media UK & Ireland in very good health.”