After seven years at the helm, Jaimes Leggett has announced he will be stepping down as CEO of M&C Saatchi Australasia.

His departure has been on the cards for some time, with a gradual handover and transition to incoming CEO, Justin Graham, currently Partner and Chief Strategy Officer, already in place.

Originally planned to announce at the end of his equity agreement in July, Leggett said the decision to bring it forward was the right one for the business during this unprecedented period.

Leggett said: "The past seven years have been nothing short of inspiring. I have worked with some extraordinary people – both within our business and in our client partnerships – and am incredibly proud of what we've achieved.

During Leggett’s seven-year tenure, the M&C Saatchi Group has reported double-digit growth each year; securing major clients, launching multiple new businesses including This. Film Studio and acquired media agency Bohemia.