Global Grey Group CEO Michael Houston Changes Role to US President of WPP

WPP's largest market—the U.S.—will finally have a president to lead the country's operations. Grey Group CEO Michael Houston will take on the role and pilot the nearly 20,000 U.S. employees who generate upwards of $6 billion of revenue, annually. Houston has climbed the ladder at Grey Group over the past 15 years and served as the CEO of the global agency for the past five years. Houston's new role is a first for WPP. The holding company previously didn't have a single leader to run the U.S. market like it previously has in other key markets, like Japan, where the holding company recently announced Kyoko Matsushita would lead the market. Earlier this year, WPP named Rose Herceg as president in Australia and New Zealand. Houston's remit will include shifting resources around to meet clients' needs, ensuring agency CEOs have what they need, overseeing the network's U.S. office footprint and attracting and retaining talent. WPP has recently invested in multiple positions within its global leadership team to better retain talent, which most agencies and holding companies have struggled with over the past two years. The holding company promoted Jennifer Remling to global chief people officer last year and added LJ Louis as global chief talent and inclusion officer last month. "We have a unique opportunity to deliver transformational results for our clients and drive growth through greater collaboration across our powerhouse agencies," Houston said in a statement, adding it's an opportunity for WPP to use its capabilities and diverse talent to deliver a better future for its clients, people and communities. Grey Group doesn't have an immediate replacement for Houston, but he'll help AKQA Group CEO Ajaz Ahmed find a successor. Purpose-driven and forward thinking In memo to Grey Group employees that Adweek obtained, Houston said, "It has been a privilege and a high point of my life to lead Grey for the past five of my 15 years here." Houston recounts in the memo changes the agency has undergone during this time at Grey, "Reimagining the global creative agency model, we embraced technology to create a borderless network, granting clients access to our best minds irrespective of geography." He highlighted the startups the agency launched, including Grey Health & Wellness, Grey Consulting and Cartwright. "The establishment of the AKQA Group in 2020 has strengthened us both and enhanced Grey’s offering with leading-edge digital design and brand experience." Grey merged with AKQA in 2020 to form AKQA Group, and since that merger, AKQA helped creative duo Zampa and Zaro establish purpose-driven creative agency Bloom. Houston notes two initiatives he believes the agency should be proud of: "Purpose-driven marketing and diversity. We have worked hand-in-hand with our clients to be a force for good, taking on some of the most pressing social issues of the day from gun safety to civil rights in all forms." WPP Will Cease Operations in Russia Following Invasion of Ukraine

Leadership & Talent

Global Grey Group CEO Michael Houston Changes Role to US President of WPP

It's a new position for the world's largest holding company

Jameson Fleming

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Jameson Fleming