Kirk McDonald, North America CEO for media company GroupM, plans to step down by the tip of the yr.

The information was relayed to staff Monday morning by GroupM International CEO Christian Juhl. (Learn his inside memo under.) With McDonald remaining onboard as a search begins for his substitute, Juhl mentioned Adam Gerhart, a 20-year veteran of GroupM and its company sibling, Mindshare, will function interim North America CEO.

McDonald spent three years within the prime publish, maybe probably the most turbulent stretch within the fashionable historical past of promoting. After navigating the pandemic, he then confronted a uneven advert market that noticed even longtime stalwarts like Fb and Google publish declining outcomes.

Previous to becoming a member of GroupM, which is owned by UK large WPP, McDonald racked up important expertise in digital media, with senior exec roles at Time Inc. and NET. He additionally labored at AT&T and its ad-tech unit, Xandr.

“Main GroupM North America has been an infinite privilege. You’re passionate and uncompromising in your pursuit of excellence,” McDonald mentioned to staffers. “It’s been an honor to be part of this staff main the way in which ahead with the perfect within the business, and a pleasure to have discovered a lot from all of you.”

Right here is Juhl’s memo to staff:

Hey GroupM North America,  

After three years driving important change and progress throughout our enterprise, Kirk McDonald has determined to step down from his function as North America CEO and depart GroupM on the finish of the yr.  

I’d prefer to thank Kirk for his many contributions to our firm. A champion for innovation and accountable funding, he has been a robust and inspirational chief for us and our business. He has additionally been a precious accomplice to me and the worldwide GroupM management neighborhood extra broadly.  

Whereas Kirk can be with us by means of the tip of the yr to make sure a easy transition, I’m happy to share that Mindshare’s International CEO Adam Gerhart will tackle further duties as interim CEO for GroupM North America as we undertake a proper seek for Kirk’s substitute. Adam is aware of our enterprise extraordinarily effectively, having initially began his profession with us in New York and taking over a variety of roles earlier than changing into US CEO for Mindshare in 2016, and International CEO in 2021. He’s labored intently with many members of the NA management staff already and I’m assured within the strategic steerage he’ll present throughout this transition.

I hope that you’ll be part of me in thanking Kirk and wishing him the perfect for the long run. Whereas we’ll miss him as he strikes on to pursue his subsequent problem within the new yr, we’re lucky to have such a robust management staff in place for the area.  

Thanks to your laborious work and dedication to our purchasers all year long. I stay up for seeing as a lot of you as I can both within the workplace or in upcoming city halls.  

Thanks,  

Christian