HIll & Knowlton's global CEO Paul Taaffe quits agency

Taaffe, who is based in the company's New York office will leave the organisation after 18 years and will be replaced by global chairman Jack Martin.

Martin said :'I want to thank Paul Taaffe for his more than 18 years at H&K.  During the past eight years as chair and chief executive, Paul contributed significantly to its continued success and imprint as a global leader in size, geographic reach and profitability.  In addition, he has contributed significantly to the advancement of the communications industry.

'I’m excited that he has agreed to serve as a senior counselor to me and the firm for the next several months as we make this transition, as I know we can all benefit from his insights and wisdom.'

Taaffe has been chief executive since 2003 and prior positions at H&K include president of Hill & Knowlton,, president & CEO of H&K in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and chief executive of Hill & Knowlton UK.