After nine years with Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN), Simon Ryan has resigned as CEO of Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) and accepted a senior role outside the network.

Ryan was appointed CEO of DAN for Australia and New Zealand in February 2016, after holding leadership roles within Carat for seven years.

Industry sources have speculated to B&T that Ryan could be moving to WPP AUNZ as a possible replacement for departing CEO Mike Connaghan.

However, a DAN spokesperson said that while he is moving to an ASX-listed company to take on a senior role (with an announcement expected later today), it is not a rival of DAN.

DAN’s chief executive for the Asia-Pacific region, Nick Waters, said: “During his time, Simon has driven extensive change for the group, positively impacting culture, collaboration and commercial performance.

“I thank Simon for the leadership he has shown throughout his time with Dentsu Aegis Network, and wish him all the best for the future.”

Commenting on his departure, Ryan said: “My time at Dentsu Aegis Network has been an exceptionally rewarding and satisfying experience. I have worked and collaborated with great people to perform challenging and inspiring work, to grow the business and triple its size, over the past nine years.

“It’s now time for me to embrace the next challenge in my life and focus on a different business. Ahead of my departure, I will remain focused on our people and clients, and continue to deliver on the ambitious ANZ plan.”

Ryan will continue to lead DAN across the trans-Tasman while a global internal and external search is underway to identify a replacement for the CEO role. His final departure date will be agreed to in due course.