Interpublic Group is disbanding Interpublic Media - the unit that has overseen Initiative, Universal McCann and Magna Global - while the division's CEO, Mark Rosenthal, prepares to step down after reports that IPG CEO has not been pleased with him.

A new body called the Interpublic Media Council will oversee media operations instead of the more formally structured Interpublic Media, writes AdWeek (via MediaBuyerPlanner). Phillippe Krakowsky, EVP of strategy and corporate relations, will oversee the Media Council. He will be joined by DraftFCB vice-chairman Bill Cella; McCann Worldgroup chairman John Dooner; UM global CEO Nick Brien; Initiative global CEO Alec Gerster; and IPG EVP of strategy and network operations Steve Gatfield.

Another entity, the Futures Marketing Group, will manage IPG's specialty and digital practices, along with new-media investments such as its recent partnership with Facebook. The Group will report to the Interpublic Media Council.

Initiative and Universal McCann will once again be linked with IPG creative shops - the latter with McCann Worldgroup, and the former with DraftFCB - potentially resulting in conflict: All four company heads will retain their executive autonomy.