WPP Hires First Chief Marketing and Growth Officer

WPP has hired long-time Digitas exec Laurent Ezekiel for a newly created role, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer, as part of its recently announced three-year turnaround plan.

In an internal memo, CEO Mark Read described Ezekiel's new role as important for WPP, as the firm restructures around the needs of its clients. Earlier this week, the Group announced plans to spend £300m on this restructure over the next three years, resulting in the loss of around 3,500 jobs, but with the addition of 1,000 new ones. It is estimated the move will deliver annual savings of £275m by the end of 2021 and return the business to growth.

Ezekiel (pictured) most recently served as co-President, North America & International for Publicis-owned digital marketing agency Digitas (formerly LBi), having joined the latter in 2003. Prior to this, he was Senior Account Director for ad agency Grey Group, prior to its acquisition by WPP, and he began his advertising career with Saatchi & Saatchi as a graduate trainee.

In his new role, Ezekiel will report directly to Read and split his time between New York and London. 'Laurent's combination of skills - as a modern marketer with experience in technology, data, client services and new business - is rare in our industry, and this is an important new role for WPP as we continue to reshape our company around the needs of our clients. His priority will be to support WPP's growth strategy, working alongside Chief Client Officer Lindsay Pattison', Read explained.

Web site: www.wpp.com .