jda managing director Ashton departs
Mike Ashton, managing director of jda has left the Direct Marketing Group owned business.
Ashton, who has held the role of managing director for five years, and has worked at the Leeds agency since 1994, is understood to have resigned his position to begin his own business.
Ashton was managing director during the sale of the agency to the group in 2007, which also saw the departure of chairman Carl Hopkins.
Dan James, deputy managing director at jda will continue in the role, supported by chief executive of the group, Martin Smith.
"It is with regret that we’d like to confirm that after 17 years of outstanding service our managing director, Mike Ashton has decided it’s time to venture into pastures new, and explore other business interests. We wish Mike all the very best for the future and we know he will be missed by both jda staff and clients," a spokesperson for the agency commented.
"We’d like to reassure all our clients, partners and friends that business very much continues as usual at jda with a number of exciting projects in development across the client base. Dan James our creative director is stepping up to the position of deputy Managing Director. Group financial director Joe Widdup and group chief executive Martin Smith will be supporting Dan in this new role," they continued.