WPP AUNZ appoints former M&C Saatchi MP Lee Simpson to lead whiteGREY in the role of CEO

WPP AUNZ has today announced that respected, award-winning industry leader Lee Simpson has returned to the WPP network and been appointed CEO of whiteGREY. He replaces joint CEOs Paul Worboys and Miles Joyce, who both left the business last month.

Most recently managing partner at M&C Saatchi, Simpson has held senior positions at globally recognised creative agencies including Grey London (where he was a member of the WPP High Potential Group), AMV BBDO London and Clemenger BBDO Melbourne – all top ten global agencies.

His experience spans a raft of client categories, from financial services through to tech start-ups and FMCG brands.  He has also worked in a variety of markets in the UK, Europe, APAC and East Africa on both global and domestic brands, bringing a unique perspective to agency growth.

Says Mike Connaghan, CEO, WPP AUNZ: “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.”

In his new CEO role, Simpson will work across both the Sydney and Melbourne whiteGREY offices, providing a strong lead on a renewed new business drive, while working to ensure the most effective, innovative and creative work is produced across all areas.  He will also work closely with the established leadership team to ensure a seamless transition into the new role.

Says Simpson: “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.”

Simpson has more than 150 international and domestic awards to his name, including the rare D&AD Black Pencil, through to a number of leading digital awards including Cannes Cyber Grand Prix, Spikes Digital Grand Prix, Webby Awards, and Facebook Awards.  Importantly, he also has many effectiveness awards including IPA, Marketing Society, APG, AMEs and Gold at both the Euro and Australian Effies. His effectiveness agenda and focus on business growth has also led to him becoming a judge on the Creative Effectiveness jury at the New York Festivals.