Karin Ross Named CEO for GroupM Germany, Succeeding Jurgen Blomenkamp

January 29, 2020, Düsseldorf, Germany & New York, New York – GroupM, WPP’s world leading media investment group, today named Karin Ross Chief Executive Officer of GroupM Germany. She succeeds Jürgen Blomenkamp who last August shared his decision to pursue new challenges after 33 incredibly successful years with GroupM. Karin, Chief Operations Officer for the past three years, steps into her new role leading GroupM Germany’s 2,100 employees in February.

“GroupM’s success lives on experience and leadership. I’m delighted Karin will continue her distinguished career and lend her extensive talents in media and marketing to GroupM Germany as CEO,” said Mark Patterson, GroupM’s Global COO. “Karin is an inspiring leader for our people and has a stellar reputation with our media partners and our agencies’ clients.”

Karin brings 19 years of experience in media and agencies; she initially joined GroupM as Media Director in 2009 and has held a series of progressively responsible roles including Chief Investment Officer (2015) and Chief Operations Officer (2017). As CEO, she’ll be responsible for the vision and strategy of GroupM in Germany and will lead the executive committee comprised of the agencies’ CEOs and GroupM’s functional leaders. Returning from parental leave in February, she will work part-time until August.

“GroupM Germany built our leading position by combining strong agencies with the support of GroupM products and services that make advertising work better for our clients,” said Jürgen. “Karin is already a big part of our success, and over 11 years has helped expand our services portfolio and strengthen our position. As I reflect with gratitude on 33 wonderful years, I’m confident we’ve named the perfect successor.”

“There is contagious energy at GroupM globally and in Germany to help shape the next era of media-driven marketing and sustainable growth for our clients,” said Karin. “With agile collaboration across our group and with our partners, we’ll continue to develop the collective intelligence and breakthrough solutions our clients need.”

“Jürgen has my sincere thanks for his strategic vision and our long and inspiring partnership. GroupM would not be where we are today without him,” Karin added. “I’m also grateful to my German and global colleagues for supporting me as I balance family and career transitioning into the new role.”