David Hayes, chief operating officer at Wavemaker, has announced he will leave the GroupM company at the end of June.

Writing on LinkedIn, Hayes said it had been a big decision as he had spent "a big chunk of [his] working life" in various roles at WPP, the multinational communications group that owns GroupM and Wavemaker.

"I’m genuinely sad to leave as I feel very strongly attached to the people and the company. But I’m also very excited and energised about opening a new chapter in my career," he added.

"Is there ever a right time to leave? It feels to me that now is probably the best time for me and the company. I’d like to think I’ve got a few more challenges and opportunities to explore and I know in later life I’d regret it if I didn’t look at what’s outside WPP.

"It’s right for the company too as I genuinely believe that it is vital in our business to be regularly introducing new talent and fresh thinking.

"This is a really exciting time for GroupM globally and locally as it is undergoing a very exciting transformation fuelled by significant investment in AI. It’s time to welcome and nurture new talent to help navigate the company through this change."

Hayes started his career as a media buyer for DDFH&B in 1987 before moving to Wilson Hartnell as a media manager the following year.

In 1991, he joined CDP Associates as media director then joined MEC Ireland in 1996 before the company merged with sister agency Maxus to make Wavemaker.

Before his planned exit in June, Hayes said he would help to develop a new growth function in GroupM, WPP's media investment group, and ensure an orderly handover of Wavemaker's business and clients.

He did not say what he has lined up next, only that he wouldn't be limiting himself to opportunities and that he intends to "carefully evaluate" what his next chapter involves.

Photo: David Hayes. (Pic: LinkedIn/David Hayes)