WPP has appointed Michael Houston, global CEO of Grey, as president of WPP’s business in the US.
His new role, which aligns with WPP’s ‘country leadership structure’ in other areas, will see him represent the company in its largest market worldwide.
The news comes a month after the group appointed LJ Louis to the newly created role of global chief talent and inclusion officer as part of its commitment to promoting racial equity.
The big six agency employs 20,000 people in the US, amassing annual revenues of around $6 billion.
Houston will be responsible for bringing together people and resources for clients, promoting WPP’s offer and collective capabilities and supporting agency CEOs.
A key part of his role will also be to shape the company’s US campus strategy and take control of talent attraction and retention with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion.
READ MORE: WPP supports the newly founded Black Equity Organisation to advance equity and justice
Joining Grey in 2007, the new president of US business has held senior leadership positions at KB+P, Landor and Y&R, as well as founding a brand consultancy in the 1990s.
He will also assist AKQA Group CEO Ajaz Ahmed in transitioning to new leadership at Grey.
Ahmed added: “With our positive growth trajectory and momentum, we look forward to the continuing partnership with Michael to inspire and enable our people to thrive, unlocking unrivalled expertise that will fuel innovation on behalf of the clients and audiences we serve.”
Additonally, as part of his new role Houston will also serve as WPP’s Executive Sponsor for P&G.
“The United States is our largest market and home to many of our most important clients,” WPP CEO Mark Read added.
“Michael is admired and respected across the industry and has made an exceptional contribution during his 15 years at Grey. I am delighted that he is taking on this important new role for WPP, supporting our people and agencies and bringing the best of WPP to our clients.”
Houston also sits on the board of Concern Worldwide, a global humanitarian group dedicated to tackling poverty and suffering in the world’s poorest countries.
He added: “I am honored to become the first President of WPP in the US, eager to work across the company, having spent so much of my career at our agencies, and humbled to partner with the most creative minds in the industry.
“We have a unique opportunity to deliver transformational results for our clients and drive growth through greater collaboration across our powerhouse agencies.
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