Robert LePlae left/was asked to leave TBWA, where he was president of North American operations, early this year. Though some say evidence of that move was in the pictures (LePlae was strangely not photographed for a number of end-of-year articles), for those who didn't notice his absence it was a bit of a surprise. The news today is that he's been hired to head McCann Erickson's North American operations, in a position that was created for him.

He spent eleven years at TBWA, starting there as a managing director and working his way up the ranks. As of August 21 he'll play a similar role for McCann, according to a release.

Many of you commented on LePlae's departure from TBWA last January, and many seem to think TBWA lost a lot in letting him go. One commenter, "anonymous" wrote a remark that reflected the thoughts of others:

"Well this would be the loss of one of the 'good guys'. [LePlae] has been with that agency forever and was instrumental in keeping their largest client Nissan and doing some of the great work. Real shame but the air is thin up at the top at TBWA — not a lot of room except for a few with the most power. If it is true, then some other agency is going to get someone great. What agency out there is looking for a seasoned guy with his kind of leadership?"

Answer: McCann Erickson.

More: "Robert LePlae, President TBWA North America, Exits Stage Left"