LONDON--UK general manager Shaun Wootton is to depart Waggener Edstrom after eight years at the firm.

Wootton, who has headed the agency's UK office for the past 18 months, will leave Waggener Edstrom at the end of this year.

Waggener Edstrom EMEA EVP and GM Chris Talago told the Holmes Report that the firm had already begun the search for Wootton's successor, "both internally and externally."

"It’s a very amicable parting, and I’d like to thank him for his contributions as a great client handler and senior consultant," said Talago. "We look forward to making an appointment that allows the UK office to move on from the great foundation it has."

Wootton joined Wag-Ed London in 2003, working on the agency's Microsoft business before being seconded to GE Healthcare as interim global PR manager in 2005. In 2006, he established Wag-Ed's Southeast Asia presence in Singapore, before returning to Europe as France GM in 2009. 

Prior to joining Wag-Ed, Wootton worked at Herald Communications for six years.

Separately, Wag-Ed confirmed last month that New York head Michele Clarke has departed the firm.