McCann Worldgroup Australia has confirmed that chairman and CEO Ben Lilley will be stepping down at the end of March after 18 years in the leadership role.

Lilley is moving with his family to France in April for a well-earned career break. The search for his replacement commenced several months ago and is expected to be announced shortly.

Lilley joined McCann Australia as chairman and CEO after the sale of his agency, SMART, in 2011.

Since he assumed the CEO role, McCann has invested significantly in its integrated offering, introducing full-service media in-house in 2015, and merging its strategic, media and digital and creative capabilities under a single agency offering.

Harris Diamond, chairman and CEO of McCann Worldgroup, said: “From our first entry into Australia six decades ago, this country has been, and will continue as, one of the cornerstones of our global network.

“Since becoming part of McCann, Ben and his team have helped raise our Australian creative and integrated marketing offering to world-class recognition. As he moves into the next phase in his life, we thank him for his contributions and wish him great personal success.”

Charles Cadell, president of McCann Worldgroup for the Asia-Pacific region, said: “Ben has led one of McCann’s most successful offerings for years, responsible for delivering outstanding work and building a truly dynamic and exciting business.

“In his capacity as our APAC CLC chair, he effected remarkable results, with 2017 being the best ever year for our regional award wins – both on the creative and the effectiveness front.

“One of those rare hybrid leaders – a true mix of creative and CEO – he’ll be very much missed by the network and we wish him all the best.”

Commenting on his departure, Lilley said: “Having run SMART for 12 years and now McCann for six years, I’m ready for a proper break. I’m grateful to the many awesome people I’ve worked with in this time who’ve made our businesses such great successes.

“I’m also grateful for the many equally awesome opportunities I’ve been able to enjoy with McCann, especially in my APAC creative role.

“I’m pleased to be able to hand over to our incoming CEO an agency that’s in such great shape, with a talented management team across our four Australian offices.