In an abrupt turn of events, French holding group Publicis has parted company with its long-serving global chief marketing officer, Justin Billingsley.

According to Campaign, an industry source insinuated that Billingsley’s employment had been terminated following ‘inappropriate comments’ made during a client meeting.

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In a short statement, a Publicis Groupe spokesperson confirmed: “We have ended Justin’s employment and he is now on garden leave. We won’t be making any further comment.”

Billingsley himself has so far declined to comment on the matter.

The news will come as a shock to many industry insiders, especially given Billingsley’s illustrious agency career which has seen him take on a range of senior roles within Publicis, including a seat on its management board.