WPP’s GroupM has named Colan McGeehan its North America chief marketing and business officer.
McGeehan was previously chief investment officer of Publicis Health Media, where he oversaw client affairs extending to investment management, partnerships, business affairs and innovation. McGeehan has also managed businesses, including private equity startups, VC-backed startups and mid-sized organizations.
In the new client-facing role, McGeehan will develop new business opportunities across the U.S. and Canada for GroupM media agencies Mindshare, MediaCom, Wavemaker and Essence. He will lead GroupM’s growth team, as well as North America communications and marketing.
“I am excited for an opportunity to not only join GroupM’s expert leadership team but also create a unique position that can further transform what a CMO relationship can look like,” said McGeehan in a statement. “The way to build brand relationships with consumers has dramatically changed as we have transitioned to a new economy. Agencies need to recognize that and constantly be transforming how they meet these new needs. GroupM has proven their commitment to innovation and working with clients to reshape the industry.”
McGeehan’s hire is one of several recent leadership changes at GroupM. Just last week, GroupM announced that it hired Katie Grosvenor as its chief customer engagement and growth officer for the U.K., and that in January 2022, Marie-Claire Barker will become the group’s global chief people officer.
“The last two years have been marked by extensive growth and success for all of GroupM illustrated by the success of our operating agencies across all of North America,” Kirk McDonald, GroupM North American CEO, said in a statement. “In response to the ever evolving landscape, there’s never been a better time to enrich our storytelling inside the individual agencies/opcos and for our clients. Colan brings transformative thinking, unparalleled expertise in investment and innovation and proven success across many industries into this new role to empower that opportunity.”
McGeehan, who is based in New York, also worked at numerous media companies, including The New York Times, WebMD, Sharecare and Time Inc. (Meredith Corp).