Steve Bowen leaves Burson-Marsteller

It is understood that his resignation was a mutual decision and that the company will not seek a replacement. His last official day is March 17. 

Interim CEO for Asia-Pacific Patrick Ford wished Bowen well and commented that the role had been redistributed. "We and other public-relations firms go back and forth about what to do with these regional marketing and training things all the time," he said. "Last year we asked [Bowen] to take on this remit and now that he's departing we're spreading the responsibility around other people in the region."

Bowen told Campaign Asia-Pacific that he had not yet decided on his next move but had "a few options in mind". 

"After 15 years experience there is no reason for me to leave the industry," said Bowen. "Asia-Pacific is a far more exciting place than most for the communications industry, and there is a lot of opportunity. It's an interesting time to be in the industry and to explore options and broaden horizons."

Bowen's move follows a series of senior-level departures at the public relations network, including that of former regional lead digital strategist Zaheer Nooruddin, former Asia-Pacific CEO Bob Pickard and former director of Burson-Marsteller China, Craig Adams, who left his role last June. Adams was replaced by Brad Burgess, associate director of B-M China. 

The agency is currently in the process of talking to candidates about its regional CEO position.