Ogilvy UK chief executive Annette King – who has been at the WPP agency for 17 years – has been lured to arch-rival Publicis to head up its UK network.
King, who started her career at Wunderman in 1992, before switching to the agency’s New York office in 1996, joined OgilvyOne in 2000 to run the integrated American Express business.
She then went through a series of promotions, including client service director, head of new business, and deputy managing director. King became managing director of OgilvyOne in 2007 and was promoted to chief executive a year later. She was handed the EAME role in 2012, but was promoted to CEO of Ogilvy Group in 2014.
At Publicis, she will lead all the group’s businesses in the UK: Publicis Communications, which includes Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi and Leo Burnett; Publicis Media, Publicis Sapient and Publicis Health.
Ogilvy EMEA chairman and chief executive Paul O’Donnell, who will take on King’s role until a successor is appointed, said: “Over the past 18 years Annette has made a significant contribution to Ogilvy in many capacities. She leaves Ogilvy UK in great shape, with an outstanding leadership team in place across the breadth of the agency, so we wish her all the best.”
It is not known when she will start her new job, although given the fact King is switching to a main rival, she could be spending plenty of time in the garden.
Related stories
OgilvyOne brand set to be ditched in global revamp
OgilvyOne hands Coombs top role in UK restructure
King handed Ogilvy Group role
DM leads adland with women on top
