paul newmanPaul Newman, president of Publicis Groupe's MSLGroup operation, quit after a year and half of service.

The former e-Bay communications chief walked because he wanted to spend more time with his family in Boston, according to an email penned by Olivier Fleurot, CEO of the French ad/PR combine's PR operation.

Newman's exit follows the recent shift of MSL to the responsibility of Arthur Sadoun, global creative chief of Publicis Worldwide. MSL claims the revamp has nothing to do with Newman's departure.

MSL CFO Peter Miller takes over for Newman on an interim basis.