The Drum has learned that Gary Setchell, creative director of McCann Erickson Communications House in Birmingham, is to leave the agency a year after he rejoined from KLM.

Setchell is understood to be leaving the industry altogether when he departs McCanns in April to pursue a career in teaching.

He told The Drum: “It’s something that has been inspired by seeing my own children grow and quite simply, if I don’t do it now, I’ll never do it.

“The folks at McCann are terrific to work with and have been incredibly understanding. I wish them and everyone else I’ve had the pleasure to work with in the industry the very best.”

Setchell returned to McCanns in April 2009 after a year as creative director of rival Birmingham advertising agency KLM, which he joined, from McCann, in March 2008.

At the time of rejoining McCanns he said that the opportunity to work as creative director of the company was one "I just couldn’t ignore".

KLM went on to replace Setchell with Paul Baker, who was creative director of McCann Birmingham when Setchell originally worked at the company.

Dean Lovett, CEO of McCann Erickson Birmingham, admitted that it was a surprise that Setchell was leaving but wished him well and said that he was now considering replacing him with either an individual or a creative team to oversee the creative department of around 80 staff. He also indicated the possibility that the appointment could be internal or could come from within the regions.