Market Strategies International and Morpace merged into one company in June 2018 following their acquisition by STG.

Melissa Sauter, the organisation’s other joint chief executive, will become sole chief executive. Prior to the merger, Sauter was president of Market Strategies International. 

Lawrence (pictured), who was president and chief executive at Morpace prior to the acquisition, will take on a new strategic advisory role, focusing on developing new products and solutions for clients in the automotive industry.

Jason Mantel will remain head of the automotive practice.

Lawrence said: "Since announcing our merger, it has become even clearer to me how powerful our combined organisation will be. I have also been using this time to reflect on my 25 years with Morpace.

"With the merger teams fully engaged and making great progress, I have decided to transition into a strategic advisor role for our combined organisation and will work closely with our clients in the automotive industry, an area that has been my passion for more than 30 years."

The company is set to announce a new brand next month as the two businesses become fully integrated.