BTN News: GroupM, the world’s top media investment company, has chosen Brian Lesser as its new global CEO. This big change happens as Christian Juhl steps down after five successful years. Juhl will move to a new role at WPP as President of Corporate Development. Lesser, who worked at WPP before and led GroupM North America from 2015 to 2017, will start his new role in September 2024. Until then, Juhl will stay in his current role to help with the change and support Lesser’s return.
Lesser started with WPP in 2007 after WPP bought 24/7 Real Media. He made many important contributions, such as creating the Media Innovation Group. This group developed new advertising technologies and products for GroupM, including one of the first data management platforms in the industry. In 2011, Lesser founded Xaxis, a programmatic media buying platform that is now part of GroupM Nexus, the media performance part of GroupM.
Christian Juhl’s leadership led to strong growth at GroupM. The company secured many high-profile accounts. Juhl helped WPP win important deals, like the partnership with The Coca-Cola Company. His time as leader is marked by successes that have put GroupM at the top of media investment.
Brian Lesser’s return to WPP and GroupM is expected to continue this success. He understands the company well and brings new ideas for media investment. Lesser’s experience and future vision will help guide the company through the changing media landscape and find new opportunities.
WPP and GroupM are focused on continuity and growth as they prepare for this leadership change. Juhl’s new role as President of Corporate Development at WPP shows the company’s commitment to using his skills for growth and innovation. His help during the transition will ensure that Lesser can smoothly step into his new role as global CEO.
Brian Lesser’s appointment is an exciting new chapter for GroupM. With his record of media innovation and leadership, Lesser is set to lead GroupM into more success. As the media industry changes, his vision and strategies will help keep GroupM a leader in media investment.
This change highlights WPP’s smart approach to leadership and growth. By bringing back an experienced leader like Lesser, the company shows its commitment to innovation and excellence. As September 2024 nears, everyone will be watching GroupM as it starts this new era with Brian Lesser as the global CEO.
