Hammersley quits for Lowe New York.(Paul Hammersley to join New York office of Lowe Lintas and Partners Worldwide)(Brief Article)

Paul Hammersley, the chief executive of Lowe Lintas, is leaving the London agency to become the chief executive of its New York office.

It is understood that he is also being considered as the chief executive for the network's North American division, although the decision has not been finalised.

Chris Thomas, the existing managing director, will replace Hammersley as the chief executive in London. However, he will report to a group chief executive -- a new role for the group as yet unfilled.

It is thought that Jeremy Bowles, the client services director, will be promoted to the role of managing director.

The news will end the rumours that Hammersley was considering taking a senior role at Young & Rubicam in New York.

Hammersley is a well regarded figure in UK advertising, having bedded down the merger of Ammirati Puris Lintas with Lowe Howard-Spink at the end of 1999 and going on to win accounts such as Orange. The agency was Campaign's Agency of the Year for 2000.

Hammersley joined Lowe in 1993 when he left Saatchi & Saatchi to become the executive vice-president of Lowe Group North America -- reporting to the network's founder, Frank Lowe.