The Drum has learned that TBWA\Manchester's executive creative director Mick Foden has left the agency for a return to London this month for "personal, family" reasons.

Foden shared the role with Richard Sharp, who was formerly creative director of Tequila\Manchester.

Fergus McCallum, CEO, TBWA\Manchester, said: “It is with real regret that Mick has taken the decision to move back to London and I would like to thank him for the contribution he has made to the agency over the last two years. He has been instrumental in bringing greater collaborative ways of working to the creative team. We wish him all the best for the future and I’m sure he’ll be back in the group at some point.”

Foden added: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here and have particularly enjoyed working as part of a great team and I’d like to wish one and all, all the very best." 

During his time as executive creative director, Foden has helped boost the agency’s reputation and helped restructure the creative team into a "disruptive, multi-skilled unit", the agency said.