Metter Quits Top Post at J. Walter Thompson USA

Another top-level advertising executive affiliated with J. Walter Thompson Co. has resigned, the company announced Thursday.

It said Bertram Metter resigned as chairman and chief executive of J. Walter Thompson USA, the domestic arm of the nation’s fourth-biggest ad company. Thompson clients include Ford cars, Kodak film and Burger King restaurants.

Don Johnston, who is chairman and chief executive of both the parent JWT Group and the advertising company, said he would assume the duties of chief executive of the U.S. unit as well.

“He plans to have more involvement with clients and the organization and management of U.S. operations, and this change will facilitate his involvement,” the statement said.

But securities analysts said the change reflected continuing management turmoil at an agency that they say has been underperforming financially.