Laura Maness, global CEO at WPP’s Grey Advertising network, is leaving after three-plus years in the role.  

Maness confirmed the development on LinkedIn and at an agency town hall meeting earlier this week. Her role will not be filled going forward. 

Instead, the agency will be co-led by Global Chief Creative Officer Gabriel Schmitt and Global Chief Client Officer Jason Kahner (Global Chief Client Officer), according to an internal memo from Ogilvy Group Global CEO Laurent Ezekiel. 

"Together with Jonathan Lee (Global Chief Strategy Officer), they form the essential trifecta across creative, strategy, and client leadership that powers our most impactful work," Ezekiel wrote. "This core group is supported by many exceptional market leaders around the world – including Agnes Fischer in New York, Conrad Persons in London, and Sarah Trombetta in APAC among others – whose dedication ensures our global vision translates into local impact."

Writing on LinkedIn, Maness stated, “After the immense privilege of serving as Global CEO of Grey over the past 3+ years—I’ll be passing the baton to my close colleagues and friends, and stepping into a bold new chapter...As for what’s next, more to come...” 

A 28-year-plus veteran in the industry, Maness previously served as CEO of Havas Group’s North American flagship agency, Havas New York.  

Earlier she served as US chief growth officer for Havas Worldwide North America and managing director of Havas Chicago. Before joining Havas, she was head of growth for FCB in San Francisco. 

In May, WPP realigned Grey with Ogilvy, after it had been part of the AKQA group for five years. WPP acquired Grey in 2005.  

 This story has been updated.