Grey Names Michael Houston As Its New Global President

By Erik Oster 

Grey Group chairman and CEO James R. Heekin III announced today the promotion of Michael Houston to the role of global president. In the role, Houston will work closely with Heekin in managing Grey’s EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific regions, while continuing to oversee North American operations. Houston had served as CEO of Grey North America, overseeing the agency’s New York, San Francisco and Canadian offices, before the promotion. 

Houston arrived at Grey New York as executive vice president, director of marketing in 2007. In 2010 he was promoted to global chief marketing officer and to managing director of the New York office the following year and chief operating officer the year after that before being named CEO, Grey North America in 2013. Prior to joining Grey, he spent nearly five years with kbs+ as partner, director of corporate development. He has also served in the latter role at Chadwick Communications and as director of client relations at Elias Arts.

Here’s Heekin’s memo:

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I wanted to share some great news with you.  I am delighted to announce that Michael Houston, CEO of Grey North America, has been promoted to Global President of Grey.

In his expanded new worldwide leadership role, Michael will report to, and work closely with, me in the management of Grey’s EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific regions, while continuing to oversee our North American operations.  He will be a great addition to our global team.

This well-deserved promotion is a logical step for Michael who has been such a vital factor in the success of our New York flagship office and our North American region since 2007.  He’s built a first-class management team, a culture of innovation evident in our creative and new business success and nurtured a winning spirit second to none.

Grey around the globe has tremendous potential as we approach our 100th anniversary next year.  I’m confident Michael will capitalize on our momentum, our “Famously Effective” culture and our expanded integrated offering to fuel the growth and continued success of our clients and our agency.

Please give Michael your congratulations on this milestone and your full support as he hits the ground running.

Regards,

Jim Heekin

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