MediaCom sees global leadership change as Stephen Allan steps down

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MediaCom's worldwide chairman and CEO Stephen Allan has stepped down after 12 years in the role and 38 years overall with the agency. Allan (left) was appointed global head of MediaCom in August 2008 and was previously CEO of GroupM UK. He also helmed the role of CEO of MediaCom UK before that.

Succeeding Allan is COO worldwide Nick Lawson (pictured right) who will take over the global CEO role effective 1 July, following a transitionary period. Lawson took on the COO worldwide position in 2019 and was previously the CEO of EMEA in 2008 and CEO of MediaCom UK in 2006. He started his career with the agency as a media planner at The Media Business Group in 1991 and has been with MediaCom for about 20 years.

Allan said his decision to step down has been "the most difficult one" he has taken during his 38-year career at MediaCom. However, he decided the time has come to take all he has learnt in building and growing a global network and he is excited to apply it to a new challenge.

"I have had the privilege and pleasure to work with so many talented and kind people who taught me so much and who will always be my friends. Together we amassed an unbelievable portfolio of clients and as an agency reached heights that seemed impossible when we started out," Allan said.

He added that he has been fortunate to have had the support and loyalty of countless individuals who have worked alongside him. "Whilst I am incredibly sad to be leaving my ‘family’, I couldn’t be happier to hand the reins over to Lawson who is a world-class leader, knowing that the MediaCom I will always love is in very safe hands," he added.

Meanwhile, Lawson said he is honoured to have been asked to take over as MediaCom's global leader. “This agency inspires me every day – our amazing people, the outstanding work they do, the trust our clients place in us, and the opportunities that lie ahead. I’d also like to take the opportunity to personally thank Allan for his leadership, mentorship and friendship – big shoes to fill!" he added.

GroupM global CEO Christian Juhl said Allan's commitment to his people and the organisation is unmatched. "We wish him the very best in this next chapter and recognise that after more than 25 years in a leadership role he is ready for a new challenge. We appreciate the foundation Allan has built for the next generation of leaders at MediaCom," he added.

Juhl also said that Lawson has been an influential and energetic leader across MediaCom for over 20 years. “He is the perfect example of someone who brings to life our vision of making advertising work better for people. I am excited to have him as a close partner as we look at our future agency offering and consider how to create an environment where technology paves the way towards better work experiences for our people and impact for our clients," Juhl said.

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