WPP’s GroupM has announced the departure of its CEO for Australia and New Zealand Mark Lollback.
Lollback, who has led the business since 2016, will be stepping down on March 19.
WPP says it is looking for his replacement with GroupM APAC CEO Ashutosh Srivastava leading the business in the interim.
“Mark is a highly regarded industry leader, and on behalf of myself and the executive team we would like to thank him for his strong leadership through challenging times,” says WPP AUNZ CEO Jens Monsees.
“GroupM is a leading part of WPP AUNZ’s unique strategy of combining tech implementation and content creation with world-class media operations. I am excited to work with everyone across the business to continue build upon the group’s strong foundations, as we move into the next era of this successful story.”
Lollback oversaw the integration between the company’s portfolio of agencies including Mindshare, MediaCom, Wavemaker and Essence, and the launch of addressable TV business Finecast.
He joined GroupM following a global marketing career including positions as VP of Marketing for Unilever, ANZ CMO for McDonald’s and CMO for ANZ Banking Group.
“I’m extremely proud of what we have achieved over the past five years at GroupM, and I leave the business in its rightful place as an iconic global brand with an enviable heritage in the Australia and New Zealand media landscape,” says Lollback.
“Following more than 30 years working for some of the most respected multinational companies and brands across the globe, I have decided that it is time to return to where my heart is, into client-side marketing. I plan to work more closely with several innovative start-ups I have invested in over the last few years and use my experience and learnings to pursue Independent Board Director positions.
“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all the amazing and professional people I have had the pleasure to work with and lead over the years at GroupM and WPP, and thank Jens Monsees for his leadership.”
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