Industry sources said Chau has been let go by DraftFCB following the sudden closure of the DraftFCB Hong Kong office, reported on 11 December.
In a press statement, the agency said Chau has resigned. "Draftfcb has some management changes in its China operations," the statement said. "Pully Chau, chairman/CEO of Draftfcb Greater China, has resigned from the agency. She has taken vacation immediately and will assist in management transition in January as needed. Pully has led our Draftfcb Greater China operations during a period of immense change in the marketing communications business. We wish her well in her new endeavours."
The agency will announce an "outstanding successor" in January.
In the interim, the existing management team in Shanghai will oversee the office under the guidance of the global leadership team, according to the agency. Additionally the team in Beijing will lend support when necessary.
Update, 1:40 pm: We have edited this story to reflect Pully Chau's official title of "chairman and CEO" (not "chairwoman").