WPP appoints Brian Lesser as the Global CEO of GroupM

WPP has announced the appointment of Brian Lesser as the new Global CEO of GroupM, succeeding Christian Juhl, who is stepping down after five years in the role. 

Lesser who first joined WPP with the acquisition of 24/7 Real Media in 2007, went on to create the Media Innovation Group. Moreover, in 2011 he founded Xaxis along with a $3 billion business today known as Xandr, then moving on to his current role as CEO and Chairman of data company InfoSum in 2020. 

Additionally, Juhl became CEO of GroupM in November 2019, growing GroupM significantly and winning notable assignments such as the partnership with The Coca-Cola Company. 

As part of the new appointment, Juhl will take up a new position with WPP as President, Corporate Development. While Lesser who spent 10 years with WPP including the role of CEO of GroupM in North America from 2015 to 2017, will rejoin WPP and begin his new role with GroupM in September 2024. Until then, Juhl will continue in his existing role and support the transition as he moves to his new position.

Mark Read, CEO of WPP, said, “I would like to thank Christian for his contribution to the success of Essence, GroupM, WPP and our clients over the last nine years. He has built a strong foundation for the ongoing transformation of GroupM, the integration of its offer, and accelerated future growth. I look forward to working with him in his new WPP role. Brian is one of the industry’s most highly regarded executives with a track record of success in data- and technology-driven marketing. GroupM, its agencies and its brilliant people are in many respects the engine of WPP. Brian not only knows GroupM inside-out, but also has a strong vision for the future of the business. We are delighted to welcome him back to WPP.” 

Brian Lesser said, “WPP and GroupM are special organizations to me. I have experienced first-hand the culture of innovation and collaboration that leads to exceptional work for advertisers. I am thrilled to be rejoining GroupM as Chief Executive Officer. I look forward to building with my talented colleagues, collaborating with our industry partners, and investing with our fantastic roster of global clients.”

Christian Juhl said, “It has been a privilege to lead this amazing business, to work alongside its incredibly talented people, and to partner with our wonderful clients around the world. We’ve achieved a huge amount together and I’m really proud of the progress GroupM has made towards its mission of making advertising work better for people. After five years the time is right for a fresh challenge, and I’m excited to get started in my new role with WPP. Brian is an exceptional leader and I’m happy he is rejoining the GroupM family.”