WPP and GroupM appointed Brian Lesser as the new Global CEO of GroupM, the world’s leading media investment company. He replaces Christian Juhl, who leaves after five years. Christian will join WPP as President, Corporate Development.
Brian was with WPP for 10 years, serving as GroupM’s North America CEO from 2015 to 2017. He will rejoin WPP in September 2024, starting his new role at GroupM. Christian will remain in his current position and assist with the transition until then.
In 2007, Brian joined WPP through the acquisition of 24/7 Real Media. He later established the Media Innovation Group to develop addressable advertising solutions with a focus on pioneering data management platforms. In 2011, he founded Xaxis, now integrated into GroupM as part of GroupM Nexus.
After heading GroupM in North America, he became CEO of AT&T Advertising & Analytics, now Xandr, overseeing its $3 billion business. In 2020, he assumed his current position as CEO and Chairman of InfoSum.
Throughout his career, Brian pioneers technological advancements in the media industry, embracing programmatic advertising and connected TV to enhance consumer experiences and offer effective business solutions.
Christian assumed the CEO role at GroupM in November 2019, previously serving as CEO at Essence, which was acquired by WPP in 2015. As WPP’s President of Corporate Development, he focuses on key strategic initiatives. Under Christian’s leadership GroupM has grown significantly, winning notable assignments and playing a critical role in WPP wins such as the partnership with The Coca-Cola Company.
GroupM has streamlined its structure to better serve clients using three media agency brands (EssenceMediacom, Mindshare, and Wavemaker), along with GroupM Nexus for media performance and Choreograph for data products and technology. As the top media investment company worldwide, GroupM manages over $60 billion in annual media spending for its clients.
Mark Read, CEO of WPP, said, “I would like to thank Christian for his contribution to the success of Essence, GroupM, WPP and our clients over the last nine years. He has built a strong foundation for the ongoing transformation of GroupM, the integration of its offer, and accelerated future growth. I look forward to working with him in his new WPP role. Brian is one of the industry’s most highly regarded executives with a track record of success in data- and technology-driven marketing. GroupM, its agencies and its brilliant people are in many respects the engine of WPP. Brian not only knows GroupM inside-out, but also has a strong vision for the future of the business. We are delighted to welcome him back to WPP.”
Brian Lesser said, “WPP and GroupM are special organizations to me. I have experienced first-hand the culture of innovation and collaboration that leads to exceptional work for advertisers. I am thrilled to be rejoining GroupM as Chief Executive Officer. I look forward to building with my talented colleagues, collaborating with our industry partners, and investing with our fantastic roster of global clients.”
Christian Juhl said, “It has been a privilege to lead this amazing business, to work alongside its incredibly talented people, and to partner with our wonderful clients around the world. We’ve achieved a huge amount together and I’m really proud of the progress GroupM has made towards its mission of making advertising work better for people. After five years the time is right for a fresh challenge, and I’m excited to get started in my new role with WPP. Brian is an exceptional leader and I’m happy he is rejoining the GroupM family.”
