Laura Maness is leaving her role as global CEO of Grey after three years amid ongoing structural shifts at WPP. She will not be replaced. The agency is shifting instead to a co-leadership model. Gabriel Schmitt, global chief creative officer, and Jason Kahner, global chief client officer, will lead Grey jointly. Kahner, who has been at Grey for 20 years, will focus on global client relationships. Schmitt, who joined Grey in June 2023 from FCB New York where he had been for seven years, three-and-a-half as CCO, will ensure the agency delivers “Famously Effective” creative for clients everywhere.

The pair will work closely with Jonathan Lee, global chief strategy officer, to create what is referred to as a “trifecta” of leadership across creative, strategy and client functions. Local CEO positions will not change. Agnes Fischer, will continue to lead in New York; Conrad Persons in London; and Sarah Trombetta in APAC.

Before joining Grey, Maness had spent nine-and-a-half years at Havas New York, nearly six as CEO. She has also been US chief growth officer at Havas Worldwide; managing director of Havas Chicago, and head of growth at FCB San Francisco.

Wayne Deakin announced his departure from Wolf Olins on LinkedIn:

“After an incredible chapter at Wolff Olins, I stepped down from my role this past Summer as time for a new adventure. I’ve spent the past time off recharging, reflecting, traveling, surfing, learning, Ai-ing, volunteering, teaching and most importantly enjoying really precious moments with family and loved ones. Now. I’m excited to dive into a new challenge. Whatever the universe might choose to throw at me.

“I came in to build bold, modern brands, and it became so much more. I’ve had the privilege of shaping famous work across global markets with industry leaders that unites strategy, design, and experience, delivering meaningful creative and commercial impact…

“…I’m now open to new opportunities, including freelance projects and collaborations in different parts of the world, and I’m stoked and excited.”