WPP Names McCann Global CEO Tyler Turnbull to Head WPP Creative

WPP has appointed Tyler Turnbull as CEO of WPP Creative, effective early 2027. He will succeed Jon Cook in the role, taking responsibility for the group’s creative agencies and their integration with WPP’s broader marketing capabilities.

Turnbull currently serves as Global CEO of McCann. Before joining McCann, he spent 12 years at FCB, where he held leadership positions across Canada, North America and global operations.

In his new role, Turnbull will oversee WPP Creative’s agency network and work across the group’s media, data, production, commerce and technology capabilities. His remit will also include further integration with WPP Open, the company’s AI-powered marketing platform, as WPP looks to bring its capabilities together for clients.

WPP Looks to Strengthen Creative Integration

Cindy Rose, CEO of WPP, said Turnbull’s appointment reflects the group’s focus on creativity, collaboration and business growth.

“Tyler is a world-class leader with the ambition, global perspective and creative conviction to lead the next chapter of WPP Creative. His appointment reflects our determination to bring together the very best of WPP for our clients, put creativity at the centre of growth and set a new standard for the industry. I am delighted that he is joining WPP.”

Turnbull said his ambition was to build a connected creative organisation while preserving the distinct identities of WPP’s agencies and supporting creative talent.

“Together with our exceptional teams, my ambition for WPP Creative is to set a new standard for our industry: 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.

The opportunity to lead WPP Creative at this pivotal moment is a tremendous honour. I look forward to partnering with Cindy, Jon and the agency leadership teams to unlock the full power of WPP for our clients and create the conditions for the world’s best talent to do the best work of their careers.”

Turnbull’s appointment marks a leadership transition for WPP Creative as the group continues to align its creative agencies with its wider media, data and technology operations. His role will focus on connecting these capabilities while maintaining the creative strengths and cultures of the group’s individual brands.