• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, April 28, 2020

John Seifert, a 40-plus year veteran of WPP’s Ogilvy, the last five as global CEO, announced today that he’ll be stepping down in 2021.

Seifert noted in a memo posted on the company’s website that earlier this year he and WPP CEO Mark Read “agreed that we should begin the process of searching for my eventual successor, knowing that this process takes time and thoughtful engagement with potential candidates internally and externally.”

“In a moment like this,” Seifert continued, “I am more committed than ever to our people, our clients, and the Ogilvy brand. I will continue to lead Ogilvy with all my strength until a successor is appointed and a leadership transition is completed sometime in 2021.”

“It’s been an extraordinary privilege to serve Ogilvy since joining the company as a summer intern in 1979. I love this company with all my heart and will be forever supportive of its success.”

There was no comment from WPP or CEO Read on Seifert’s announcement.