Media agency luminary Irwin Gotlieb steps down as GroupM chair for WPP advisory post
Industry veteran Irwin Gotlieb is stepping down from his role as global chairman of media agency GroupM and will move into a senior advisory role at its parent company WPP.
Irwin Gotlieb is stepping down as GroupM's global chairman
Gotlieb has worked within WPP since 1999, when he joined as global chief executive of Mindshare, and was one of the architects behind the formation of GroupM where he served as global chief executive from its launch in 2003 to taking up the chairmanship in 2012.
His achievements in the industry saw him become the first media agency executive to be inducted into both the American Advertising Federation Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in 2007.
“Irwin has always been the driving force behind the creation and development of first, Mindshare, then GroupM, and more recently WPP’s focus on developing our technology assets, first party data and content,” said Sir Martin Sorrell, the chief executive of WPP who is currently the subject of an internal investigation. “We will not miss him, however, as he will continue to be available to the Group as a trusted strategic advisor.”
“I’m fortunate for the many opportunities this industry has afforded me, and I enter this new chapter with tremendous gratitude and optimism,” added Gotlieb.
Kelly Clark, who was named global chief executive of GroupM in 2016, described Gotlieb as a “one-of-a-kind visionary." He will continue to lead the company.
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WPP
WPP plc is a British multinational communications, advertising, public relations, technology, and commerce holding company headquartered in London, England. It was...
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GroupM
GroupM is the world’s leading media investment company with a mission to create a new era of media where advertising works better for people. Responsible for more...
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