Haynes steps down as WYG chief exec

Lawrie Haynes is stepping down as chief executive of UK-based multidisciplinary consultant White Young Green with immediate effect.

Chief operating officer Paul Hamer becomes group managing director and will report to group chairman Peter Wood, who has said he will “increase his time in the business”.

The board said the decision for Haynes to leave the company has come by “mutual agreement” following months of economic turmoil.

Peter Wood said: “Over the last few months White Young Green's priorities have changed in response to the challenging economic environment.

“Whilst our primary responsibilities remain to ensure that we continue to deliver high-quality services to all our clients, we now also need to ensure the business is in the right shape to exploit the recovery when it arises.”

The news comes after a tough couple of months for White Young Green. In November, the £282m-turnover group issued a profit warning, just three days after unveiling its rebranded look.