WPP AUNZ hires Jens Monsees as CEO
The Australian and New Zealand arm of the world’s largest advertising and communications holding group, WPP, has announced its new CEO following the departure of Mike Connaghan in October last year.
Jens Monsees, most recently corporate vice president leading global digital strategy, corporate planning and product strategy at the BMW Group, will step into the high-profile role in October.
Monsees joins from BMW
Monsees is currently based in Germany, but will relocate to Sydney for the role.
So am I right in thinking….neither Australian or New Zealand experience nor any time working in an agency?
hmmm
Bit skeptical of any senior business leader from a marketing (rather than technical) background that claims to be a ‘Blockchain’ expert. Tough gig. Hope this means more substantive work from WPP.
When you’re at that level (global remit) learning a tiny market like AU/NZ takes very little time. And client empathy, in the current market, is far more valuable than having been indoctrinated in the antiquated way agencies operate in this region. He will probably soar in the role. Refreshing move by WPP.
Left field choice for sure.
Understand the idea of going for new blood but it’s hard to see this as anything but an insult to the two internal candidates.
Pushing out your ceo without a plan B is never the smartest strategy (although it seems to be standard operating procedure at wpp). Wish this bloke all the best but hard to see how this is an upgrade for wpp.
I agree, albeit it’s possible that neither internal candidate really wanted the job…they probably know too much!
the role is a huge problem given the complexities of the stakeholder relationships in the global agencies.
Plus the complexities and cost of it being a public company with board members and a chairman [Edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy]
Hospital pass as anyone with sense jumps ship before it sinks. The biggest, slowest network will continue to lose talent and clients.
Hospital pass with major $$$$ attached. Yet they still only managed to find a German with no agency and no aunz experience. Cv’s flying out right now!