WPP has appointed McCann global CEO Tyler Turnbull as the new CEO of WPP Creative, with the executive slated to assume the global role in early 2027. Turnbull succeeds Jon Cook, who is stepping down after three decades with WPP.
From Omnicom Integration to WPP Leadership
Turnbull’s transition follows a period of industry consolidation. He joined McCann in December 2025 after navigating the agency’s integration into Omnicom following its acquisition of Interpublic Group (IPG). That merger reduced Omnicom’s major global creative networks to BBDO, TBWA, and McCann, retiring the FCB brand, where Turnbull had served as global CEO starting in 2022.
Executive Summary of the Leadership Transition
- The Appointment: Tyler Turnbull will leave his post at McCann to take over as global CEO of WPP Creative in early 2027.
- The Predecessor: Jon Cook departs after a 30-year tenure at WPP, staying through March 2027 to assist with the handover.
- The Strategic Objective: WPP CEO Cindy Rose is positioning Turnbull to integrate creative output with the holding company’s media, data, production, commerce, technology and its AI platform, WPP Open.
Turnbull will oversee WPP’s integrated creative offering while aiming to connect broader capabilities across the group without eroding agency identities. WPP CEO Cindy Rose stated, “Tyler is a world-class leader with the ambition, global perspective and creative conviction to lead the next chapter of WPP Creative.”
Turnbull noted his ambition is to set a new standard for the industry that is “connected enough to bring WPP’s full strength to every client, distinctive enough to protect the unique magic and cultures of our iconic brands, and extraordinary enough to nurture the industry’s most creative talent as we drive meaningful business growth for our partners.”
| Executive | Incoming Role | Effective Date | Previous Post |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Turnbull | CEO, WPP Creative | Early 2027 | Global CEO, McCann |
| Eric Campbell | Global CEO, VML | March 2027 | CEO, VML & WPP Creative North America |
The Broader Agency Realignment
Alongside Turnbull’s arrival, WPP announced that Eric Campbell will succeed Jon Cook as global CEO of VML in March 2027. Campbell currently serves as CEO of VML and WPP Creative in North America.
Turnbull’s exit from Omnicom also trails closely behind the retirement of Omnicom Advertising CEO Troy Ruhanen, who was replaced by Andrew Robertson.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
