WPP has named Elav Horwitz its first chief innovation officer, a role in which she will lead a team focused on applied AI and other solutions for clients.  

She joined WPP a year ago as executive vice president-global head of strategic partnerships and AI solutions and will continue to report to Stephen Pretorius, WPP’s chief technology officer.  

Previously, Horwitz spent nearly 15 years with IPG’s McCann, starting in the agency’s Tel Aviv office in 2011. She transferred to New York in 2016 and left last year after serving as executive vice president-global head of applied innovation and AI. 

As part of her remit, she will be responsible for connecting WPP’s partners, like Adobe and Google, with the company’s creative and strategic talent. According to the agency, it also includes redefining “how clients engage with commerce, create compelling content and shape culture.”    

Horwitz also serves as an advisor to groups like the Spotify and Meta Creative Councils, and she’s a founding member of the professional women’s network, Chief.    

Her appointment follows a series of recent hires to bolster WPP's innovation capabilities, including Daniel Barak as WPP's first global creative and innovation lead, Sarah Salter as VP of global partnerships & AI innovation and Mathieu Albrand as director of AI strategy and innovation.   

“As we rewrite the marketing playbook for the AI era, we’re thrilled to have Elav lead our innovation agenda,” said WPP CEO Cindy Rose. “This appointment underscores our investment to embed innovation into the core of everything we do, ensuring our clients benefit from the most advanced and effective solutions."