London: WPP has appointed Kevin Johnson as President of its business in Canada. Johnson, who also serves as CEO of GroupM Canada, will continue in his current role while assuming his new responsibilities at WPP, further reinforcing the company’s leadership in the Canadian market.
A seasoned leader within the WPP network, Kevin Johnson brings a wealth of experience in media investment, marketing strategy, and client leadership. Prior to joining GroupM, he served as CEO of MediaCom Canada (now EssenceMediacom) for seven years, where he honed his expertise in driving growth and innovation. His deep understanding of the Canadian media landscape, coupled with his commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment, positions him as the ideal leader to drive WPP’s continued success in Canada.
Johnson succeeds Arthur Fleischmann, who has led WPP in Canada since 2021, overseeing significant client acquisitions and expansion during his tenure. Fleischmann will also step away from his role as Group CEO of Ogilvy Canada, as previously announced.
Kevin Johnson commented on his new appointment, “It’s a privilege to step into this role and continue the momentum Arthur has built in establishing WPP as a creative leader here in the market. I look forward to working alongside our talented teams across Canada to deliver innovative solutions for our clients.”
Mark Read, CEO of WPP, expressed gratitude for Fleischmann’s leadership, “I want to thank Arthur for his exceptional leadership and commitment to WPP over the last few years – we wish him the best. Canada is a very important market for WPP, and one of our top ten worldwide. Kevin’s appointment reflects our continued commitment to strong leadership and growth in this dynamic country.”
Arthur Fleischmann added, “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished at WPP in Canada, and I am confident that Kevin is the right person to lead the team into the future. His strategic vision, industry expertise, and dedication to our clients make him an ideal successor. I wish him every success in this new role.”
