The advertising executive overseeing Bermuda Tourism?s account in New York has been replaced in a high profile move.

Rochelle Klein, the chief creative officer of Arnold Worldwide who oversaw the account, left unexpectedly in November, according to a report in the New York Times.

She is being replaced by John Staffen, the senior creative executive of DDB Worldwide.

The Times article said Arnold ?fell short? after failing failing to land a number of big accounts such as the Andrew Jergens division of the Kao Corporation, Pfizer, and Travelocity.

The newspaper quoted Mr. Staffen as saying: ?They (Arnold) know in New York and Boston that they?ve gone through a rocky time, and I see commitment from the top that they?ve got to re-focus, and me coming is part of that.?

Acting Tourism Minister Beletha Butterfield said yesterday: ?We were delighted to have had an excellent working relationship with Ms Klein.

?We continue to have that excellent relationship with the team at Arnold Worldwide and are certain we can count on that relationship continuing with Ms Klein?s able replacement.?