GroupM overhauls leadership structure, centralizes operations to drive global growth
By Felicia Nwosu
GroupM has introduced a major organizational shift, removing global chief executive roles at EssenceMediacom, Mindshare, and Wavemaker as part of a move to centralize its global operations.
Medianews said the transformation is aimed at streamlining services, enhancing collaboration, and maximizing value for clients and partners.
The company assured that the restructuring would not affect local teams or markets, including those in Australia.
Brian Lesser, the CEO of the global agency described the changes as a bold step toward integrated global operations.
“Our leadership team is focused on building something extraordinary—delivering seamless, unified solutions that elevate value for our clients and partners on a global scale.”
In a key development, Emily Del Greco, currently a partner at McKinsey, will step into the role of global chief operating officer in February.
Working closely with Lesser, Del Greco will drive the group’s strategic initiatives, oversee global operations, and lead areas such as corporate development, partnerships, and investment practices.
As part of the revamped leadership framework, Adam Gerhart, Mindshare’s global CEO, will take on the position of global chief client officer.
Gerhart will spearhead client engagement and transformation efforts, managing key global accounts and working closely with WPP on client-centric strategies.
Meanwhile, Toby Jenner, Wavemaker’s global CEO, will transition to global chief business officer, focusing on market positioning, growth strategies, and integrated marketing initiatives across the GroupM network.
Mark Patterson will assume the role of global president of markets and business operations, overseeing APAC and LATAM regions while also advancing initiatives in investment governance, offshore capabilities, and GroupM’s entertainment and sports portfolio expansion.
The restructured leadership team reflects GroupM’s commitment to providing unified, innovative solutions to its clients, leveraging its expertise in data, technology, and talent. The company clarified that the changes are not expected to result in any staff departures.
Other senior executives, including Stuart Diamond (chief financial officer), Marie-Claire Barker (chief people officer), Sharb Farjami (CEO North America), Josh Krichefski (CEO EMEA), and Cesar Recalde (CEO LATAM), will retain their positions and continue to play pivotal roles in the organization.
Global agency operations will now be led by a president for global client solutions, who will oversee services for multinational clients.
Local market CEOs will maintain responsibility for agency operations within their regions, ensuring that markets remain responsive to local dynamics while benefitting from centralized leadership.
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