WPP names Karen Blackett as its first UK Country Manager

Blackett, who will retain her current role as chairwoman of MediaCom UK for six months, has been appointed with immediate effect. She will work with 17,000 staff in dozens of agencies spanning media, creative, design, branding, data and public relations across WPP’s £2 billion-a-year UK operation.

She said her priorities include getting WPP’s agencies to work “in a more joined-up and collaborative way”, developing new products and “managing and diversifying the talent base”.

Her promotion was announced at the same time that Group M, WPP’s media-buying arm, named Tom George as its UK chief executive to replace Nick Theakstone, who becomes global chief investment officer.

Read more at Campaign Live here.