Jason White leaves W+K Shanghai for Beats By Dre

White has served in his role for two years and eight months. He first worked in China as lead on the Nike account from May 2006 through September 2009. "I was employee number 22 then," he said. He then did a stint at W+K's HQ in Oregon, where he served as global account director for the agency's prize client, before returning to China as MD.

White is heading to LA to be vice president of global marketing for the popular maker of bulky, colourful headphones and portable speakers. White offered the usual "It's time to go do something new" reason for the move, but also said he relishes the chance to return to a worldwide role.

"I loved the global role, and also would like the chance to move on to work more deeply within a category," White told Campaign Asia-Pacific. At Beats by Dre, White will work with agency-of-record R/GA.

As White ends his nine-year relationship with W+K, current ECD Michael Simons, who has been with the agency for three years, is also departing. Reached this morning, Simons said only that he is moving on to the "next exciting adventure".

Clients are well aware of both departures, White added.