In a strategic move signaling an enhanced focus on client relationship management and global leadership, WPP has announced the appointment of Jane Geraghty as Chief Client Officer. Geraghty, who presently holds the reins as CEO of Landor & Fitch, WPP’s premier brand and design consultancy, will step into her new role while maintaining her influence as Executive Chairman on Landor & Fitch’s board.
The decision places Geraghty at the helm of WPP’s key client portfolios. It puts her in charge of the company’s Global Client Leaders, a network crucial to its worldwide operations. This appointment is set to take effect in January 2024, marking a pivotal transition for the global advertising and PR giant.
Geraghty’s ascent within WPP underscores her significant contributions to the company, particularly her successful 12-year tenure with Landor & Fitch. Her leadership saw the consultancy soar to new heights, with a remarkable 50% growth under her direction as CEO over the past six years. Her strategic vision led to the expansion of Landor’s offerings and the seamless integration of Landor and FITCH, fortifying the brand’s market position.
Mark Read, CEO of WPP, expressed his confidence in Geraghty’s appointment, noting her extensive understanding of WPP’s clientele and operations, which positions her as an invaluable asset to the company’s future endeavors.
Geraghty, a recognized figure in marketing and branding, boasts nearly three decades of experience in the field. Her career spans notable agencies, including Saatchi & Saatchi, McCann-Erickson, and Ogilvy New York. Beyond agency life, she has made her mark in broadcasting with ITV and has led the communications consultancy Naked in London.
Her advocacy for workplace equity is well-documented, with her upcoming co-chair at the Reykjavik Global Forum for Women Leaders and her recognition in the HERoes Women Role Model Top 100 in 2023. Her role as the executive sponsor of UNITE, WPP’s grassroots LGBTQ+ community in the UK, further exemplifies her commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Christian Schroeder is replacing Geraghty at Landor & Fitch, taking on the role of Global President. Schroeder, a WPP veteran and former CEO of Lambie-Nairn, returns to Landor & Fitch with experience and is tasked with leading the global team under Geraghty’s oversight.
Geraghty’s impending role as Chief Client Officer will see her leveraging WPP’s innovative capabilities to drive client growth—a testament to her belief in the extraordinary talent within WPP and her vision for the company’s future.
