Grey N.Y. President Hardwick Exits

NEW YORK Grey New York president Steve Hardwick is leaving the WPP Group agency after less than two years, an agency representative confirmed today.

Hardwick (shown at right) joined the shop in May 2007. Before that, he was president of independent StrawberryFrog in New York. Earlier in his career, Hardwick was managing director of an Interpublic Group unit that oversaw Bank of America when its marketing services business was handled by 16 IPG shops.

Jim Heekin, Grey's New York-based worldwide CEO, will absorb Hardwick's duties as the agency searches for a permanent successor, the rep said. New York chief creative officer Tor Myhren remains in place.

Grey credited Hardwick for helping to create a "more collaborative, creative culture" in New York and "putting digital at the center of our clients' communication efforts."

The shop's clients include Procter & Gamble, Olive Garden, E*Trade, GlaxoSmithKline, Wyeth, Eli Lilly and Dairy Queen.