LONDON — Weber Shandwick EMEA technology head Peter Ross has departed after 20 years with the agency.

Joe Walton, who has risen up the ranks at the agency since joining in 2007, has been named UK technology MD following Ross' departure. Ross, who was named EMEA technology chair in 2012, has left the firm to "pursue an in-house career", said a Weber Shandwick spokesperson.

Walton was promoted to deputy MD of the UK technology practice just eight months ago, after several years as an associate director. He does not directly replace Ross, who oversaw the broader regional technology practice.

Weber Shandwick's technology practice has traditionally served as an important driver of growth at the agency, but has seen some notable account defections in recent months, including Colt and Ricoh.