Irwin Gotlieb is stepping down from his role as global chairman of GroupM, the media investment arm of WPP, it has been announced.
In a statement issued on Friday (6 April) GroupM said Gotlieb would be transitioning to a senior advisory role with WPP and will remain active in the industry.
Gotlieb was GroupM’s first global CEO on its founding in 2003, and became global chairman in 2012. Kelly Clark was named Global CEO of GroupM in 2016 and will continue to lead the company.
“Irwin is a one-of-a-kind visionary, and his mark on our company and the entire media business is indelible,” said Clark.
“I am one of many in this industry who count Irwin as a friend and mentor. We’re glad that he will still be available to us and our clients in his new role,”
Gotlieb joined WPP in 1999 to serve as the first global CEO for Mindshare and subsequently launched GroupM globally. He is credited with establishing the first stand-alone media agency, MediaVest, in 1993.
“Irwin has always been the driving force behind the creation and development of first, Mindshare, then GroupM, and more recently WPP’s focus on developing our technology assets, first party data and content,” said Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO, WPP.
“We will not miss him, however, as he will continue to be available to the Group as a trusted strategic advisor.”
Gotlieb added: “I’m fortunate for the many opportunities this industry has afforded me, and I enter this new chapter with tremendous gratitude and optimism.
“I thank Sir Martin for his support over the years, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to WPP’s continued market leadership in an advisory role.”
GroupM will not be seeking a replacement for the global chair role.
