John McDonald, marketing manager for Glasgow design consultancy Freight is to leave the agency as he takes up a new role at the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) in Montreal.

McDonald joined Freight in January 2008 having previously served as director of communications and enterprise at Scotland’s centre for architecture and design The Lighthouse.

In his new role, which he will take up on 1 October, he will be tasked to apply his marketing experience to promote the centre to an international audience.

McDonald commented: “Sadly, I’m forced to leave an incredible team at Freight Design. I’ve had a rewarding and very fruitful 18 months and thoroughly enjoyed working ‘agency-side’ with such an experienced, passionate and talented bunch. But it’s not every day that such an incredible opportunity presents itself.”

He continued: “Having gone through an arduous international selection process, it’s one I couldn’t turn down. I’m looking forward to working closely with executive director Mirko Zardini and other members of the senior international executive team at the CCA, to help inject vitality and energy into the 30 year old institution and to spark new relationships with audiences across Canada and the world.

“I genuinely wish Freight’s two directors, Adrian Searle and Davinder Samrai, and the team, every success. I do hope there will be an opportunity for us to work together at some point in the future.”

Searle said, “We’re very sorry to lose John, who has made a valuable contribution to Freight’s success during his time here. He’s an excellent strategic thinker but isn’t afraid of getting his hands dirty. We understand what a great opportunity this is and wish him every success in his new role. We are now actively searching for a replacement.”

It is understood that the agency hopes to have his successor in place by mid October.