WPP names Christian Juhl new global CEO of GroupM

GroupM, WPP’s media investment arm, has named Christian Juhl (pictured) as global CEO, replacing Kelly Clark come October 2019.  Juhl will be responsible for the vision, strategy and operational excellence of WPP’s media-focused companies, boasting 35,000 people and US$48bn in annual client media billings. In a press statement, WPP said, in the interim, Clark will support Juhl's transition into the global CEO role and remain senior advisor to WPP and GroupM.Juhl currently holds the position of global CEO for Essence, a data and measurement-driven agency, which he first joined in 2013. In 2015, he led Essence's acquisition through WPP and upon joining GroupM, Essence has grown exponentially in markets, clients and services. Prior to Essence, Juhls also worked with companies including Publicis, Razorfish and USWeb/CKS.According to the press release, Clark was appointed GroupM's global CEO in 2016 with a three-year commitment to prepare the business for the future by designing and leading transformation initiatives including Essence’s expansion into a full-service agency, the creation of Wavemaker, the move to 3 World Trade Center in New York, and an array of people and technology investments.Mark Read, CEO of WPP said Juhl has the right combination of leadership, people and technology skills to build the modern media company. "We have a great number of talented people across GroupM and its agencies, and I have every confidence in Christian’s ability to be an outstanding leader to them and an outstanding partner to our clients.” he added.Juhl said, “I’m truly honored and grateful for this opportunity to help deliver on Mark’s vision for WPP as a creative transformation company".He explained that media frames the future for creativity, and GroupM's incredible agency brands, talent, client partnerships, and scale give the company the unique opportunity to help reshape the industry and the way people think about advertising. Former global CEO, Clark said, "I know Christian will work well with our leadership team to build further and faster on our ability to contribute to client growth. All of us in GroupM have an inspiring new leader.”