Saatchi & Saatchi London chief executive James Denton-Clark is quitting his role at the agency after less than a year.

Denton-Clark was the agency’s third CEO in just four years.

He joined the Saatchi team last July, moving over from his position as managing director at Accenture Song UK, where he had been since December 2016. He was drafted in to replace Chris Kay, who moved overseas around a year after taking on the role.

Recruited by Publicis Groupe CEO, Annette King, Denton-Clark went on to form part of a leadership team which included chief creative officer, Franki Goodwin, chief strategy officer, Richard Huntington, chief production officer, Jess Ringshall and managing director, Sarah Jenkins.

“James is an accomplished creative leader with a great passion for what we do,” King said at the time.

“Saatchi & Saatchi is a special agency and James’ curiosity, and entrepreneurial leadership style will energise the agency.”

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Denton-Clark himself added: “As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be at Saatchi’s. They’re the original creative entrepreneurs. There’s magic there that endures, and is still there in spades today. I can’t wait to belong to that, partnering with Franki, Jess, SJ and Richard in the next chapter.”

Publicis Groupe has confirmed Denton-Clark’s departure, saying: “James has left the agency to focus on a new venture. Charlie [Rudd] has been leading the creative practice since earlier this year and will continue to work closely with the existing Saatchi leadership team.”

Denton-Clark told Campaign: “I can confirm I am leaving to pursue a new venture. This will be announced in the near future.”

As well as being part of the agency’s senior leadership team, Denton-Clarke also sat on the board of the SAE Institute, pushing the creative skills agenda within schools and government. It is unclear whether he will continue in this position.