GroupM’s long-standing EMEA chief executive Josh Krichefski is set to leave the business after more than 14 years, announcing the news in a post on his LinkedIn page.
Krichefski’s departure marks the latest in a string of big names to leave WPP’s media buying arm in recent months, with EssenceMediacom global CEO Nick Lawson exiting in December and EssenceMediacom global COO Frances Ralston-Good leaving last week.
Having first joined the GroupM network as EMEA chief operating officer of a pre-merger MediaCom in January 2011, he later become CEO in 2016 before moving on to his current role two years ago.
Writing on LinkedIn, Krichefski said: “Today marks a significant milestone for me. After fourteen incredible years, and with a big birthday looming, I’ve decided that now is the time to embark on a new chapter. I’m leaving GroupM and WPP.
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“By lunchtime on my first day at MediaCom all those years ago, I genuinely felt like I had come home. It was a special feeling, and it has always stayed with me. I’ve been privileged to work alongside extraordinary people, forging lasting friendships, and being inspired every day.”
He continued: “Staying no. 1 is hard. But when your people feel valued, listened to and supported, anything is possible. I have always felt valued, and I hope my teams have too.
“So, I leave with a great deal of gratitude. I am going to give myself some time off for the first time in three decades to think about what comes next. I want to thank all the clients, colleagues, partners and even competitors who have supported me along the way.
GroupM has not yet disclosed any plans for a potential replacement, although Campaign reports that an announcement to that effect could come as early as today (19 March.)
