WPP AUNZ announced that Lee Simpson has returned to the agency network as the new CEO of whiteGREY.
Simpson’s appointment comes after joint CEOs Paul Worboys and Miles Joyce left the agency last month.
Simpson joins whiteGREY from M&C Saatchi, where he held the role of managing partner. He has also held senior positions at Grey London, AMV BBDO London and Clemenger BBDO Melbourne.
His experience spans a raft of client categories, from financial services through to tech start-ups and FMCG brands. Simpson has also worked in a variety of markets in the UK, Europe, Asia Pacific and East Africa on both global and domestic brands.
In his new role, Simpson will work across both the Sydney and Melbourne whiteGREY offices. He will also work closely with the established leadership team to ensure a seamless transition into the new role.
WPP AUNZ chief executive Mike Connaghan said: “Lee is an excellent business performer that has outstanding credentials in leading successful client teams and winning new business.
“He’s well respected, a team player and someone who recognises the need to blend creativity with innovation; a core aspect of whiteGREY’s capability. He also has a clear passion for strategy and champions creativity across all work.
“He understands both the Grey culture and the WPP group, and our focus on collaboration and horizontality, so we’re excited to have him on board as the agency moves into a new phase of business, staff and client development.”
Commenting on his new role, Simpson said: “I’ve watched the whiteGREY business carefully since the two agencies merged and can see incredible opportunity with the blending of creative and technology.
“Unearthing cultural, category and customer insights to drive creative communications, products and services is something that drives me as a leader, and an approach I hope to bring to this new role.
“The agency has an outstanding team and strong client roster, and I’m looking forward to building both even further. It’s an exciting time to be joining this business and the WPP AUNZ group.”
