After 23 years with Bates Canada, Mary Falbo, executive vice-president and director of media operations, has left the agency.

Patrick Knisley, president and coo, says the parting was amicable, although the decision was his.

Knisley says the move is not a reflection of Falbo’s work or her contribution to the agency but rather the first step in restructuring Bates’ media department.

The media needs of many of the agency’s clients are changing and therefore, Knisley says the structure of the department should allow for more agility.

There are no immediate plans to replace Falbo.

The department is now being steered by two people: Ruth Klostermann, head of planning, and Kathy Gardner, head of buying.