GroupM has appointed Lindsay Pattison as chief transformation officer. She will remain CEO of GroupM agency Maxus.
In her new role, Pattison will lead a number of change programs to support group and agency structures, talent and leadership development, culture and diversity, as well as WPP’s horizontality strategy.
She also remains a member of GroupM’s global executive committee, reporting to Kelly Clark, global CEO of GroupM.
“Clients need us to think differently and work smarter,” said Clark. “Lindsay will help us deliver on those challenges.
“I’ve worked with her for many years. She’s a force, and holds the respect of clients and colleagues. She will make a huge impact with her smarts, energy and warmth.”
WPP CEO Sir Martin Sorrell said: “GroupM and its agencies are key to WPP’s horizontality strategy. Lindsay will play a crucial role in accelerating our delivery of new and innovative service structures for clients.”
WPP’s horizontality strategy aims to help deliver the best of GroupM to key clients, together with other WPP companies, regardless of the client’s entry point to the group.
“When we look at the broader business context, the transformation we are experiencing is profound,” Pattison said.
“The WEF calls it the ‘fourth industrial revolution,’ a technological revolution and one that requires two key skills to succeed: collaboration and agility. New thinking is required across the board, and I’m delighted to take on this new transformation role.”
Pattison was named global CEO of Maxus in October 2014. She was previously global chief strategy officer and UK CEO for Maxus – and has also held senior roles at Young and Rubicam, PHD Media and Sony Ericsson.
