Lee Simpson, a casualty of a global restructure, is stepping down as CEO of whiteGREY.
whiteGREY is being absorbed into AKQA, the digital design and communications agency, in a move described as a "realignment".
In Australia and New Zealand, the combined group will be led by Brian Vella, the CEO of AKQA AUNZ.
WPP has been undergoing widespread restructuring, seeking annualised net cost savings of £125 million (AUD 240 million) in 2025, with 40% to 50% of that expected in 2024.
Growth at the world's biggest advertising group growth has been pulled back by account losses in retail and consumer packaged goods and cautious clients in the face of a technology downturn and an uncertain economic climate.
WPP has merged Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R, creating VML from January 1, the industry’s largest creative company with more than 30,000 people in 64 markets.
Simpson said he is proud of the significant achievements the agency has achieved since he was appointed CEO in 2017.
“I joined whiteGREY at a challenging time when Grey and The White Agency merged and embarked on an ambitious journey of expansion and growth to its services, capabilities and clients," he said.
"We created a new positioning and model, welcomed some fantastic clients, have been recognised as a top ten agency in the region for creativity and effectiveness (Cannes and WARC respectively) and are currently AFR’s Most Innovative Media & Marketing Company and the Most Innovative Small business in ANZ. We proved tension really can create extraordinary.”
Rose Herceg, country president, Australia & New Zealand, at WPP, said Lee Simpson is one of the best leaders she's known.
"Smart, gutsy and a leader whom we all respect," she said.
"Lee has set the foundation for the next exciting period in AKQA Australia and New Zealand’s evolution. Lee can be incredibly proud of the contribution he has made. I have enjoyed every minute of working with Lee. It’s been a personal highlight for me."
Simpson will continue to work alongside Vella for next couple of months.
WPP says the CEO position is the only role affected by the changes.
In a statement from New York, Laura Maness, Grey global CEO, said four Grey studios across Australia, UAE, Italy and Belgium will join AKQA.
“AKQA and Grey have already been working together in these regions, and our areas of expertise complement each other perfectly," said Maness.
“By bringing our teams together, we’re combining the best of both worlds—Grey's renowned creativity and AKQA's world-class design and innovation.
"I'm confident that this move will benefit not only our employees but also our clients, who will have access to a truly unparalleled pool of diverse talent and expertise.”
Ajaz Ahmed, AKQA’s founder and CEO, said the Grey brand has lasting value.
"Driving operational excellence is core to our mission of delivering sustainable growth and in service of building a leaner, more agile agency to improve our performance and better enable our long-term vision," said Ahmed.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.