Brian Lesser’s Vision: From Collection to Cohesion
GroupM, the media investment giant under WPP, is making a transformative shake-up that signals a unified vision for the future.
Under the leadership of Global CEO Brian Lesser, who rejoined the company last September, the organisation has abolished global CEO roles across its major agencies, including EssenceMediacom, Mindshare, and Wavemaker.
This bold move reflects Lesser’s strategy to streamline operations and reposition GroupM from a “collection of companies” into a more cohesive and efficient entity.
Leadership Reimagined: A New Era of Integration
This organisational restructuring comes with significant leadership changes aimed at enhancing client focus and operational efficiency.
Emily Del Greco, formerly a partner at McKinsey & Company, joins as the new Global Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Her expertise in commerce media and advertising positions her as a key player in driving GroupM’s global integration strategy.
Meanwhile, Adam Gerhart, previously CEO of Mindshare, steps into the role of Global Chief Client Officer, overseeing client relations across all GroupM agencies.
Toby Jenner, ex-Wavemaker, takes on the mantle of Global Chief Business Officer to lead global development and foster collaboration with other WPP entities.
Mark Patterson, who formerly served as GroupM’s COO, is now the Global President of Markets and Business Operations, focusing on growth in key regions such as APAC and LATAM, as well as investment and sports initiative.
The Strategy Behind the Shake-Up
Lesser’s leadership reset is more than a response to the challenges of today’s complex media landscape—it’s a proactive blueprint for staying ahead.
By consolidating leadership and integrating functions, GroupM is poised to enhance its value proposition to clients while maintaining agility in a competitive market.
The appointment of seasoned leaders like Greco underscores GroupM’s commitment to leveraging data, technology, and strategic alignment to navigate the evolving media and advertising environment.
This reset positions GroupM as a unified powerhouse ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the future.
A Unified Future in the Making
Effective immediately, these changes underscore GroupM’s broader ambition to deliver seamless, client-centric solutions while driving growth and innovation.
With Lesser’s vision and a reimagined leadership team, GroupM is charting a course toward operational cohesion, creating a stronger, more unified organisation ready to lead the next chapter of global media investment.
This transformation is not just a leadership overhaul—it’s a turning point for GroupM as it positions itself as a singular force in the ever-evolving media landscape.
