LONDON--Mitchell Kaye is departing Mischief, two years after selling the agency he founded to Engine Group.

Kaye has opted to "pursue other interests", according to a statement from Engine. He will continue to consult for the company until the end of 2013 and will assist the search for his replacement, who is expected to be in place by the autumn. Engine staff were informed of Kaye's decision to step down earlier today.

Mischief was launched by former Shine board director Mitchell Kaye in 2006, with Shine CEO Rachel Bell taking a stake in the new firm. The agency grew rapidly to establish itself as one of the UK's top consumer PR consultancies, recording more than £2m in fee income by  the time it was acquired by Engine.

The deal saw Mischief move into Engine's HQ in Great Portland Street and merge with consumer and experiential agency Slice. The firm now employs 70 staff, recording revenues of more than £5m, and working for such clients as Unilever, Lovefilm and The FA.

Mischief creative director Daniel Glover becomes chairman of the agency, taking on an additional role as Engine executive creative director. Glover will continue to run Mischief as part of a management team that also includes Simon Moore, who recently joined the agency from Cake as a creative director.

“When I set up Mischief back in 2006 I wanted to create an agency that disrupted the industry and quickly became known for its work," said Kaye in a statement. "Our focus in that time has been on the creative output – and impact – we have for our clients. I am proud to be leaving behind a legacy of talented people and great work."
 
“It has been an incredibly difficult decision to step down, but it feels like the right time for me. Joining Engine has improved every aspect of the agency, and in that time we’ve assembled a strong, dynamic management team who have already made 2013 a record year for agency.”