Fiona Gordon’s appointment by Ogilvy as Global CEO of Advertising is a significant turning point in the agency’s development.
Gordon, who has been Ogilvy UK’s CEO since 2021, will now be in charge of the creative network’s international efforts in branding, content, and advertising. She will report directly to Devika Bulchandani, Global CEO of Ogilvy, and join the agency’s Global Executive Committee.
Gordon’s appointment occurs during a period of change for WPP, the parent company of Ogilvy, and the agency. Concurrent with the announcement, WPP has acquired New Commercial Arts (NCA), a specialized agency established in 2020 by seasoned professionals James Murphy and David Golding. Through the acquisition, NCA is now a part of Ogilvy’s worldwide creative network, which enhances its strategic and creative capabilities in the UK.
Gordon has been a key figure in leading Ogilvy UK’s comeback since taking over as CEO, helping the company rank as the top creative agency in the UK in WARC’s 2024 Creative 100 rankings. Under her direction, Ogilvy UK has won significant new business, such as Molson Coors and Valeo Foods UK, and has received recognition in the industry, including the Global Influencer Marketing Awards’ Best Large Influencer Marketing Agency.
Gordon’s impact at Ogilvy crosses continents and decades. She began her career in the 1990s as a graduate trainee and has since held leadership positions in EMEA, Asia, and the US. She has accumulated a wealth of knowledge in the PR, advertising, and consulting fields. In her previous role as Group Chairperson, she successfully oversaw Ogilvy Singapore’s revitalization.
Speaking about her new position, Gordon said she was thrilled to have the chance to oversee Ogilvy’s worldwide advertising strategy. “I find inspiration in the limitless potential of creativity to not only advance businesses but also make a lasting cultural impact. Working together with Devika and Ogilvy’s Worldwide Creative Council will be a fantastic way to make a meaningful difference in the dynamic world of today,” the spokesperson stated.
James Murphy, the founder and CEO of NCA, will assume the role of CEO of Ogilvy Group UK following Gordon’s promotion. Murphy, who is recognized as one of the most important people in UK advertising, co-founded Adam&Eve in 2008, and it went on to become one of the nation’s most prosperous advertising agencies. Under his direction, NCA expanded quickly to become a creative powerhouse and the fastest-growing company in the UK.
Hugo Eyre Varnier, Director of Communications at Ogilvy UK, expressed enthusiasm for the change. “There aren’t many days quite like this one. We welcome NCA into Ogilvy UK with open arms as our dear Fiona Gordon takes on the role of Global CEO of Advertising at Ogilvy, and we applaud WPP’s visionary acquisition of New Commercial Arts,” he said.
Murphy will serve as the head of NCA and Ogilvy UK, establishing the combined company as a major force in the UK creative sector. Through the integration of NCA, Ogilvy UK will have access to NCA’s creative arsenal, which will accelerate its market momentum even more.
Fiona Gordon was promoted to Global CEO of Advertising in recognition of her commitment to the value of creativity and her capacity to lead groups of people toward results that set the standard for the sector. “Fiona is a proven champion of creativity, a trusted partner to many of our top clients, and a passionate steward of the founder culture that makes Ogilvy shine,” said Devika Bulchandani in her praise of Gordon’s leadership. I’m overjoyed that she will take on this role and that her leadership will benefit our entire global network.
