The latest round up of people moves include WPP, Netflix, The Trade Desk, and OpenAI.
WPP is expected to cut hundreds of jobs across the globe between now and the end of 2026, AdAge reported, as part of chief executive Cindy Roses’s ongoing ‘Elevate28’ strategy.
This will come to roughly 1% of the global headcount, and forms part of the strategy that looks to bring WPP back to growth by 2028 – targeting £500m in cost savings.
The redundancies will primarily affect ‘back office’ roles and VML – a WPP creative agency.
This was originally intended to come from structural cost savings – such as reducing corporate and support infrastructure, HR, and simplification of property.
Other notable people moves:
Netflix Ads: Ian Hunter as RMG lead
Netflix Ads has hired Ian Hunter lead its new real money gaming vertical.
“From my first conversation with the team here at Netflix, I was instantly engaged by the opportunity to join such an exciting business. With the growth of live events, award-winning content and a massively engaged audience, there is huge ambition across the team,” he said in a LinkedIn post.
The Trade Desk: VP client strategy and COO roles filled
The Trade Desk has hired Vinny Rinaldi as vice president of client strategy and growth. Rinaldi previously held positions at Amazon, Hershey, and GroupM.
The adtech giant has also filled the position of chief commercial officer with Kristi Argyilan. Argyilan also sits on the board of LiveRamp, IAB, and Zefr.
OpenAI: Ex-Meta and Google executives hired
Former Google executive, Mitch Pilar, and former Meta agency leader, Andy Sinn have joined OpenAI to build its ad business in Australia after its rollout of its ad tier.
Kinesso: EMEA leader exits
Kinesso’s EMEA leader, Chloe Hawking, has left the company. The media shop, which was part of IPG, has been absorbed into Omnicom’s commercial discipline following the merger.
Similarly, data, tech, analytics, and AI subsidiary, Annalect, has also been absorbed into the data and analytics discipline.
M&C Saatchi UK: Guy Bradbury as creative chief
Guy Bradbury has been promoted to chief creative officer at M&C Saatchi UK. He previously held the position of creative partner.
“Incredibly proud to lead M&C Saatchi UK into an exciting new chapter. And create the type of bold and distinctive work worthy of the [agency’s] name,” he said in a LinkedIn post.
Advertising Association : Nathan Ansell named president
Nathan Ansell has been named as president of the Advertising Association, and will be starting the role in spring 2027. He succeeds Andria Vidler, chief executive officer of Allwyn UK.
Project Worldwide: New leadership announced
Project Worldwide, an employee-owned alliance of independent creative agencies has announced three new leadership positions.
Edward Scott (left below) has been promoted to Project Worldwide president from his position as chief operating officer.
Alongside Scott, Matt Statman (centre below) has been named as global chief creative officer; and John Higgins as hybrid chief growth officer.
Gentoo Media: Måns Svalborn as new CFO
Gentoo Media has appointed Måns Svalborn as chief financial officer.
He previously served as Raketech’s finance chief and head of regulatory financial reporting at Nordea.
