Publicis London has promoted Trent Patterson to CEO. Patterson was previously chief operating officer, leading client relationships and steering the day to day running of the agency, reporting into Charlie Rudd, CEO of Publicis Groupe UK’s creative practice. 

As CEO, Patterson will continue to lead the agency’s management team and client portfolio, that includes brands such as Essity, Electrolux, Marriott, Fosters and Renault, as well as the new business agenda. 

He will work closely with CCO, Noel Bunting, to drive the agency’s growth and championship of global creativity that ‘moves the world’, which will include the launch of World Class, Publicis London’s new research initiative interrogating the effectiveness of international campaigns, in early 2026. 

Patterson’s elevation follows a strong year of form for Publicis London, since launching its new positioning in 2024 with a commitment to championing international creativity. Publicis London has welcomed nine new clients to date in 2025, and picked up more than 20 creative and effectiveness awards at leading shows including Cannes Lions and the Effies.

After joined Publicis London in 2010, Patterson rose through the ranks, serving as head of account management, managing director from 2016 until he was elevated to COO in 2023. Prior to Publicis London, Patterson worked at creative agencies in both London and his native Australia, including six years at JWT London. 

Charlie Rudd stated, “Trent’s elevation is well deserved and recognises the central role he has played in all the success that Publicis London has celebrated in the past 12 months. He is a calm and considerate leader who has fostered an environment where talent and creativity can thrive.”

Trent Patterson added,“We’re all about the power of international creativity and, as an expat myself, I feel lucky to have found a home 9,000 miles from home in this brilliant, globally diverse agency. I’m buzzing about what we’ve achieved in the last 12 months and to lead our talented team and client partners into our exciting next chapter is an immense privilege.”