• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, October 8, 2014

Tony Wright, Chairman of Interpublic Group’s Lowe & Partners, is leaving the agency for a new role at the holding company starting in January. 

In his new position — the exact title is still to be determined — Wright will focus on the holding company’s “overall Unilever relationship and macro opportunities for growth with this important partner as they look for brilliant integrated solutions,” according to a memo sent to Lowe staffers by IPG CEO Michael Roth. Wright will report to Roth. 

Roth credited Wright and Lowe CEO Michael Wall with getting Lowe “back on track,” strengthening the agency's global footprint and adding new capabilities such as digital (with the recent acquisition of Profero) and activation and shopper marketing (with the launch of One).

Roth stated in his memo that Wright had indicated he wanted to make a change away from day-to-day management and assume a role that engages with clients on their “broader strategic priorities.” 

Wright already works closely with Unilever. Through the end of the year, he will also spend a good deal of time on the Cadillac business, which he is credited with helping to win in 2013.

Just last month, the company restructured its offering for the luxury GM brand, disbanding a Cadillac-dedicated agency known as Rogue, which was led by Hill Holliday and shifting the assignment entirely to Lowe. 

When Wright begins his new role next year, in addition to working with Unilever, “we will be asking Tony to work with us to identify ways in which we can bring his talents as one of the world’s top marketing strategists to bear across Interpublic on opportunities that help drive our growth objectives,” Roth said in his memo. 

Wall will continue in the Lowe Global CEO position and there are no current plans to recruit a new chairman. Wright’s duties will be absorbed by Wall and others at the agency.