WPP moves Grey under Ogilvy in creative agency shakeup

In a strategic move that signals deeper integration and creative alignment within the WPP ecosystem, Grey is now being repositioned under Ogilvy, stepping away from its previous reporting line within the AKQA group. This decision, driven by the desire to foster stronger collaboration and unlock growth across WPP’s global network, is also timed with leadership transitions at AKQA, including the anticipated appointment of a new global CEO. Under this new structure, Grey’s global CEO Laura Maness will report directly to Ogilvy’s global CEO Devika Bulchandani, marking a shift that not only reinforces Grey’s creative momentum but also aligns it with one of the most iconic names in advertising. While Grey will continue to operate autonomously as a standalone brand, its realignment with Ogilvy is seen as a natural progression given its resurgence as a highly awarded, effective, and profitable creative agency. At the same time, AKQA remains focused on scaling its expertise in innovation, design, and technology. As the WPP group undergoes broader structural shifts including the rumored rebranding of GroupM to WPP Media this move reflects a clear intent: to streamline operations, enhance clarity across service lines, and position the group for the next phase of competitive growth. In an era where creativity, agility, and integration are more critical than ever, Grey’s placement within Ogilvy is not just a reshuffle it’s a strategic convergence of legacy, leadership, and future ambition.