The chairman and former chief executive of creative communications agency Cogent is to step down from the firm.

Tim Pile will leave next month after spending ten years with the Meriden-based agency.

Last year, Cogent appointed new chief executive Bruce Hutton and former Tory MP Francis Maude as chairman and next month director Marcus Husselby will become deputy chairman.

Mr Pile said: "I've decided that now is the right time for me to withdraw from the business.

"It is in good shape and Bruce has implemented a number of significant improvements resulting in delivering terrific work for our clients.

"It is particularly good to see strong evidence of growth from both current clients as well as new business wins."

Mr Maude added: "Everyone at Cogent is hugely appreciative of the contribution of Tim's leadership of the company over last ten years.

"He has now seen a smooth transition to new leadership of the business and we all wish him well for the future."

Cogent's clients include BMW, Playmobil, Kwik Fit and Arriva.