Rob Gendron (pictured, above) is taking the lead on creative at Saatchi & Saatchi Canada as long-time ECD Brian Sheppard has announced he is stepping down from the role.

Gendron, who has been with Saatchi for 11 years – the last two as VP and CD – “has been an integral part of our creative offering,” says Stuart Payne, president at the agency, who notes that his promotion into the ECD role “speaks to our culture and philosophy of finding incredible people and giving them the time and opportunity to grow into the very highest positions within Saatchi.”

Gendron came to the Publicis Groupe-owned agency from Digital Cement in 2011, and has also worked at Y&R, JWT and Leo Burnett.

He replaces Sheppard, who had held the ECD role for 13 years before he informed Payne that he planned on leaving the ECD role this spring.

Sheppard, who has worked in the industry for more than 30 years, said, “It’s a cliché, but if you’re lucky, you just know when it’s the right time.” He plans to return to his hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland, but will continue working with the agency remotely.

For his part, Gendron says he is “excited to continue working with the talented team at Saatchi to push the boundaries of creativity.” He will start in the new role effective April 1.

Saatchi & Saatchi’s clients in Canada include Toyota, Mondelez, GSK and P&G.