Mike Connaghan has a very long history with WPP. That is about to end. Connaghan has been chief executive officer of WPP AUNZ since its merger with STP in 2016, where he had been CEO since 2008. Prior to that, he was CEO of WPP-owned JWT for two years.

He has now resigned and will leave at the end of the year.

“Mike has led the company through a period of extensive change and inspired our people to leverage our scale, global knowledge and collective know how,” stated WPP AUNZ chairman, Rob Mactier.

“It is a testament to Mike’s qualities that he recognises that it is now the right time for renewal as we seek to capitalise on the opportunities that the merger and our leadership position in the market presents, particularly as the industry undergoes further transformation.”

“I am proud of the company that we have built and the talented employees and impressive calibre of clients that we have nurtured and supported,” Connaghan stated.

“I am confident that the company will go from strength to strength.”

WPP’s period of change began before Sorrell’s departure six months ago, with the consolidation of a number of agencies in Australia. WPP merged two of its largest agencies, Y&R and VML, internationally, in September. And there have been a number of leadership departures in Australia this year. Tania Kullmann resigned as Kantar’s CEO in February. Paul Worboys and Miles Joyce resigned as joint-CEOs of WhiteGrey. Phil McDonald left his position as CEO of Y&R Australia in March. Dominic Walsh left his position as managing director of Landor in June.