WPP AUNZ has announced that Jon Steel intends to step down from the company’s board by the end of the year.

Steel (pictured above) is a nominee director of WPP AUNZ’s major shareholder, WPP plc.

In a statement to shareholders, WPP AUNZ said Steel’s decision to retire is consistent with his recently announced retirement from executive life and his role as group planning director for WPP plc, a role he has held for the last 17 years.

Steel’s retirement as an executive of WPP plc will be effective from 31 December 2018.

WPP AUNZ chairman Robert Mactier said: “Jon joined the board at the time of our merger with the WPP business in 2016.

“Drawing upon his wealth of industry experience in the marketing and communications industry, notably as the group planning director for WPP plc and his role in leading the highly regarded WPP Fellowship program, Jon has provided valuable insight, challenge and counsel to our board and management.

“His contribution will be missed, but we wish him every enjoyment in his well-deserved pending retirement.”

Commenting on his departure, Steel said: I have enjoyed my time on the WPP AUNZ board, and will continue to take a keen interest in the company as both a friend and a shareholder.