Laura Maness, Global CEO of WPP-owned agency Grey, has announced her departure after three years in the role.
Maness informed staff of her exit during a global town hall meeting held in New York on 2 October 2025. Her departure comes amid ongoing structural changes within WPP.
Grey has confirmed that the Global CEO role will not be replaced. The agency is moving to a new co-leadership model, described as a 'trifecta', dividing top responsibilities among three executives. The new leadership will consist of Gabriel Schmitt, Global Chief Creative Officer; Jason Kahner, Global Chief Client Officer; and Jonathan Lee, Global Chief Strategy Officer.
This structure aims to assign dedicated leadership across creative, client, and strategy functions, replacing the single-CEO model.
The move follows a strategic realignment in May 2025, in which Grey’s reporting lines were shifted from the AKQA Group to Ogilvy. While Grey continues to operate as an independent brand, the changes align the agency more closely with WPP’s broader organisational approach.
