WPP’s Jo Bacon takes the UK reins at M&C Saatchi

M&C Saatchi has poached WPP government Jo Bacon as its new UK CEO. Bacon, former Unilver lead at WPP’s Ogilvy, will be a part of a administration workforce of government chair Zillah Byng-Thorne, a former Future CEO, and group CEO Marcus Peffers, an M&C lifer. M&C continues to be on the lookout for a world CCO.

Bacon’s appointment follows Saatchi’s reorganisation of its UK operations right into a single group.

Bacon (left), who started her profession at RKCR/Y&R and is a former CMO of media enterprise Attain and MTV and Channel 5 proprietor Viacom Worldwide, says: “It’s an extremely thrilling time to be becoming a member of M&C Saatchi at such a pivotal stage in its transformation journey.

“I began my profession at Saatchi’s, so changing into CEO of M&C Saatchi appears like a pure subsequent step for me. I perceive the ability of the Saatchi model – it’s some of the iconic and influential names in communications.

“I’ve seen what unbelievable potential M&C Saatchi has, utilizing ‘Brutal Simplicity of Thought’ (the M&C mantra) to construct well-known industrial manufacturers, sort out probably the most advanced societal points and be central to moments of nationwide and international significance. On the high of its recreation, there actually is not any higher company.”

Group CEO Peffers says: “Hiring Jo to steer our newly shaped UK Company is an incredible coup. She’s a uncommon expertise. In addition to being 2023’s most awarded advert company chief (for Dove campaigns), she’s an excellent, extremely skilled CMO, main a few of Britain’s greatest media manufacturers, throughout the entire marcomms combine.”

Quoted M&C Saatchi has a inventory market valuation of £210m regardless of a latest historical past of upheavals and stays a takeover chance for some. It has reduce a few of its worldwide operations lately, leaving the UK company much more vital within the grand scheme of issues.