MUMBAI: Ending his 5-year stint at Bates, Sandeep Pathak will be stepping down from his post as CEO.

The news comes amidst media reports of Bates Asia Pacific and India chairman and regional creative director Sonal Dabral exiting the agency.

It is speculated that Dabral is moving to Mudra, replacing Bobby Pawar, who recently joined JWT India.

Pathak joined Bates (then Bates 141) in 2007 as Mumbai head. He was elevated to the role of CEO in September 2008. Prior to Bates, he was associated with Leo Burnett as brand partner.