Eric Wheeler has left Neo@Ogilvy, giving way to chief operating office Greg Smith as his successor. Wheeler, who served as North American CEO for a year, was confirmed by Ogilvy to no longer be in that position, but the agency wouldn't comment further, AdWeek reports.

Smith will replace Wheeler, reporting to Neo worldwide CEO Nasreen Madhany. Wheeler did not comment on the departure, but it is believed that he left after clashing with Madhany.

AdWeek says sources claim that WPP officials stepped in to keep Wheeler from departing the holding group entirely, but it is not yet clear what his role will be within WPP.