- Noreen O'Leary

NEW YORK After five months on the job, Cliff Freeman and Partners CEO Clayton Ruebensaal III (pictured) quit this week citing personal reasons, according to a rep for the shop.
 
The agency's namesake founder is acting as CEO while an outside search for Ruebensaal's replacement. Sources said they were surprised by the move.

"I am very disappointed that Clayton has decided to leave the agency, but it was a personal decision on his part and we all wish him the very best in the future," said Cliff Freeman. "The search for his replacement is already under way. Fortunately, we have a deep roster of talent that is fully capable of leading this agency forward. Together, we remain committed to producing the finest creative product for our clients and continuing our long tradition of delivering effective, original advertising."

Before joining Cliff Freeman, Ruebensaal was an evp at BBDO, running Sony and The Economist. Previously, he had been the lead strategist on BBDO accounts like Pepsi, Aquafina, the Department of Homeland Security and E*Trade.

The agency -- famous for its Little Caesars commercials a decade ago -- is probably now best known for efforts on behalf of eateries like Quiznos and Baskin-Robbins. It also works for Barnes & Noble and Valley National Bank.

The shop has struggled to generate momentum for some time. It bid farewell to Snapple last October, and the Quiznos and OSI Bonefish Grill businesses left as '09 began.

On the plus side, it added Saudi Arabian Airlines in late January.

The agency also recently bought back the 20 percent investment of Canadian holding company MDC Partners.