BMP to revamp as Powell steps back.

BMP DDB's Chris Powell is planning to stand down from his role as chairman as part of a radical restructure of senior management designed to rejuvenate the agency.

The move is likely to involve role changes for the joint chief executives Ross Barr and Chris Cowpe as BMP chiefs hunt for a high-profile addition to its senior management line-up.

Late last year, a brief was issued by DDB Europe to the executive headhunters Korn/Ferry International to find a chief executive for the London agency.

The brief was later retracted but it is understood that London is now looking at recruiting a senior management figure, although it is not yet clear what job title he or she will have.

James Best, the chief people officer and global strategic officer, explained: 'If and when Chris decides to step back from his chairman role, he and I are considering whether his place should be taken by one of the internal team or whether we should add to the agency. No-one will be leaving the strong team we have.'

In terms of new business, BMP has managed to increase its pan-regional clients - with wins such as Philips - but it has under-performed on the domestic front.

It is understood that the loss of the pounds 14 million British Gas account to Clemmow ...