Job Application for CEO WPP Scangroup & Ogilvy Africa at WPP

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WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients, and communities.

Working at WPP means being part of a global network of more than 100,000 talented people dedicated to doing extraordinary work for our clients. We operate in over 100 countries, with corporate headquarters in New York, London and Singapore.

WPP is a world leader in marketing services, with deep AI, data and technology capabilities, global presence and unrivalled creative talent. Our clients include many of the biggest companies and advertisers in the world, including approximately 300 of the Fortune Global 500.

Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow.

We have been in existence for more than 33 years, starting as Scanad and evolving into the group of companies now known as WPP Scangroup Plc on the Nairobi Stock Exchange and operating across various markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our core services range from strategy and communication planning, creative development & design, digital integration for several of the world's biggest clients - among them, The Coca-Cola Company, Unilever, Diageo, ABSA Bank & Safaricom.

Ogilvy Africa is the largest network agency on the continent and of WPP-Scangroup PLC, catering to 39 countries with a team of ~280 people across East and West Africa. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Ogilvy Africa manages a portfolio of over 100 brands for clients such as Africa CDC, Coca-Cola, Diageo, Equity Bank, ABSA, Kenya Airways, Mondelez, Heineken, Total, UNICEF, AGRA, and Unilever, amongst others.

About the Role

The Role has a dual responsibility in its accountability as the Chief Executive Officer of the listed entity and the Chief Executive Officer for the largest entity of the group, Ogilvy Africa. The Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the listed entity WPP Scangroup by working with the Board of Directors and the executive management team to establish long-term goals, strategies, plans, and policies. The CEO is the face of the organisation, ensuring that the company meets its financial, operational, and cultural goals while fostering a positive relationship with key stakeholders, including clients, employees, investors, regulators, and the community. As the Chief Executive Officer for Ogilvy Africa, they will be key in reinforcing purpose, ambition, culture, and beliefs in order to continue Ogilvy Africa’s growth and positioning. The successful incumbent will be responsible for leading different markets, with a headcount of ~280 people and an annual turnover of over $5million. They will do so with the help of a leadership team of 10 leaders across several markets. The role will also involve creative, business, and commercial leadership, taking over existing client relationships, but also driving the company to attain new clients to allow the business to continue thriving. The CEO will also be responsible for setting the company’s overall strategic direction and developing a symbiotic relationship within the parent organisation.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & AI Integration:

Develop and implement the company’s vision, mission, and overall direction, aligning them with market opportunities and trends.
Lead the cross-agency strategy to deliver growth through impactful integration on client opportunities, ensuring clarity and accountability for deliverables.
Lead the development of the company's other long- and short-term strategies, ensuring clarity and accountability for deliverables.
Communicate Ogilvy Africa’s agency vision and strategy regularly, engaging with staff across the markets to ensure understanding of strategic direction and current performance.
Champion and drive the strategic implementation of AI and emerging technologies across all facets of the business to secure and enhance competitive advantage.

Operational & Agency Management:

Oversee the overall company’s operations to ensure efficiency, quality, service, and cost-effective management of resources.
Manage the executive leaders of the agencies and the WPP Scangroup leadership team to include the COO/CFO, General Counsel, and Group Director of People & Culture.
Provide direction for the company's operational and financial performance.
Ensure the company’s obligations as a listed company are met, including AGMs, communicating with the board and representing shareholders.
Participate in all commercial discussions and negotiations with strategic clients in agency jurisdiction, making the appropriate commercial decisions.
Drive internal transformation initiatives to optimise agency operations, enhance

Vital Qualities

Education: MBA or equivalent advanced degree in business, finance, or a related field is preferred.
The successful candidate will need to quickly become a trusted partner of the senior management team of the Company and will need to demonstrate:
Credible Leadership: Maturity and gravitas with a strong and credible leadership profile.
Transformational Driver: Experience in leading digital transformation for clients, identifying innovative solutions to enhance their strategies, and the ability to shape and drive transformational change within the organization.
Influential Collaborator: Effective stakeholder management with the ability to influence various groups. A collaborative leader with the ability to inspire senior executives and the organization at large towards a unified vision and purpose.
Visionary & Emotionally Intelligent: Strategic, innovative, creative, and visionary leader with advanced interpersonal skills and a strong personality.

Other Key Responsibilities and Qualities:

Client Growth & Business Development
Financial Performance
Stakeholder Engagement & Corporate Governance
Creativity & Brand Reputation
Organization Culture & Talent Management
Proven Agency Leadership
Modern Marketing Expertise
Strategic & Commercial Acumen
AI & Technology Proficiency
Complex Problem Solving
Negotiation & Communication
Client-Centric & Entrepreneurial

WPP Scangroup is an equal opportunity employer. We are expected to be committed to equal employment opportunities and fair treatment of all employees.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wpp.com/en/careers/wpp-privacy-policy-for-recruitment) for more information on how we process the information you provide.

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CEO WPP Scangroup & Ogilvy Africa

Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wpp.com/en/careers/wpp-privacy-policy-for-recruitment) for more information on how we process the information you provide.

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