Experiential marketing outfit Marc Edward Agency (MEA) founder and CEO Edward Kaleel has announced his transition to a non-executive career.

Kaleel (pictured above, right) will take on the role of non-executive chairman at MEA, handing over full executive responsibilities to managing director Nigel Hickey (pictured above, left), effective from today.

After starting the business in 1996, Kaleel said he made the decision to step back from his day-to-day responsibilities to better balance his focus across MEA, US business interests and future non-executive positions.

“After 22 years leading MEA, it’s time to hand the business running over to Nigel and his leadership team,” he said.

“Recent investments in new technology, services and team members have positioned the business for an accelerated period of growth. A focused approach from new leadership will only drive this further.”

Hickey said it was an honour to formally take over the leadership of MEA.

“Over the past 18 months, we’ve made a strategic shift to integrate a communications offering into the business model to complement MEA’s expertise in bringing brands to life through the use of people,” he said.

Hickey said the broadened offering has provided more effective and efficient solutions for clients – results which the agency team intend to continue to drive into the future.

MEA has retained Kevin Moore in an advisory capacity throughout the transition. Moore is currently chairman of CROSSMARK AsiaPac, and holds several other chairman and director roles across communications businesses in Australia and Asia.