WPP has appointed Ewen Sturgeon as Chief Executive Officer of WPP Creative for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), marking a key step in reshaping its regional leadership structure.
New Leadership Role Across WPP Creative Agencies
In this newly created role, Sturgeon will oversee and represent WPP Creative agencies across the region, including VML, Ogilvy, Burson, AKQA, Landor, and Design Bridge & Partners. He will report to Jon Cook, Global Chief Executive of WPP Creative and VML.
This move expands his previous position as EMEA CEO of VML into a broader group-level leadership role.
Driving Collaboration and Client Access
A WPP spokesperson said:
“As announced during our recent strategy update, WPP is creating a lean regional leadership team to develop the WPP Creative operating model.
In EMEA, Ewen Sturgeon has been appointed CEO of WPP Creative, representing all the iconic agencies within WPP Creative. The goal of the model is to enhance collaboration, expand capabilities, and make it easier for our clients to access our extensive talent throughout every agency.”
Strategic Shift Under Elevate28
The appointment aligns with WPP’s broader Elevate28 strategy, introduced earlier this year. The initiative aims to streamline operations while enabling agencies to continue functioning as distinct brands under a unified system.
Leadership Changes Across the Network
This announcement follows the departure of Patou Nuytemans as CEO of Ogilvy EMEA, with no direct replacement planned.
Additionally, James Murphy, CEO of Ogilvy Group UK, will now report to both Ewen Sturgeon and Laurent Ezekiel, Global CEO of Ogilvy Group.
Ewen Sturgeon’s Career Journey
Sturgeon brings extensive leadership experience across global agencies. He previously served as:
- EMEA CEO of Wunderman Thompson (2019)
- Chief Executive of International at Wunderman Thompson (2021)
- EMEA CEO of VML following its merger with VMLY&R in 2023
- Chief Operating Officer at Publicis.Sapient International
He began his career in 1992 and has played key roles in major agency integrations, including LBi and Digitas under Publicis Groupe.
What This Means for WPP Creative
With this leadership change, WPP aims to strengthen collaboration across its creative, design, and PR agencies while improving access to talent and capabilities for clients across EMEA.
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