Tyler Turnbull, McCann’s global CEO, is reportedly set to take over as WPP Creative’s global CEO, marking another significant leadership move in the rapidly evolving global advertising industry. Turnbull is expected to succeed Jon Cook, who is scheduled to step down from the role by March 2027.
The reported appointment comes at a crucial moment for WPP as the advertising giant continues to reshape its creative operations under CEO Cindy Rose. While WPP has not yet formally announced Turnbull’s appointment, the move could put one of the industry’s experienced agency leaders at the centre of WPP’s next phase of creative growth.
Tyler Turnbull Emerges as Key Figure in WPP’s Creative Strategy
Turnbull currently leads McCann as its Global CEO. He assumed the position in December 2025 following Omnicom’s completion of its acquisition of Interpublic Group (IPG), a deal that significantly reshaped the global advertising agency landscape.
His potential move to WPP Creative would represent a notable shift, taking him from an Omnicom-owned agency network to a senior leadership position at one of Omnicom’s biggest competitors.
At McCann, Turnbull is part of the leadership of Omnicom Advertising, which brings together three major creative networks—McCann, BBDO and TBWA.
From FCB to McCann: Turnbull’s Rise Through the Advertising Industry
Turnbull’s career has been built around leading major agency businesses through periods of transformation.
Before joining McCann, he spent more than a decade at IPG-owned FCB. He joined the agency in 2014 with a mandate to help revive its Canadian business. His responsibilities expanded over the years, taking him to leadership roles in New York and across North America.
In 2019, Turnbull became CEO of FCB North America before being elevated to Global CEO in 2022. His tenure at FCB positioned him as one of the prominent agency executives capable of managing large-scale creative organisations and navigating changing client expectations.
Following Omnicom’s acquisition of IPG, FCB was subsequently merged into BBDO as part of the broader restructuring.
Why the WPP Creative Role Matters
The potential appointment is particularly significant because WPP Creative is a relatively new pillar in WPP’s organisational structure.
WPP introduced the creative division as part of its broader transformation strategy, bringing major creative, communications and design capabilities under a more integrated structure. The initiative is intended to make the group simpler for clients to navigate while strengthening collaboration across creative, technology, data and AI capabilities.
The division encompasses some of the industry’s best-known names, including Ogilvy, VML, Grey, AKQA, Burson, Landor and Design Bridge & Partners.
That makes the Global CEO position considerably broader than running an individual advertising network. The role sits at the intersection of creativity, technology, client relationships and WPP’s wider transformation agenda.
Jon Cook’s Departure Sets the Stage for Transition
Turnbull is expected to replace Jon Cook, who currently serves as Global CEO of WPP Creative as well as CEO of VML.
WPP announced on October 2 that Cook would leave the company after a career spanning nearly three decades with VML and its predecessor agencies. He is expected to remain in his current responsibilities through March 2027 to help ensure a smooth transition.
WPP has already selected Eric Campbell, currently CEO of VML and WPP Creative North America, to succeed Cook as Global CEO of VML when the transition takes place. Further details regarding the leadership structure of WPP Creative were expected to follow.
WPP’s Creative Business Enters a New Era
The leadership change comes as WPP attempts to build a more streamlined and technology-driven organisation.
Under Cindy Rose, WPP has been pursuing a strategy aimed at simplifying its structure, reducing duplication and improving how its agencies deploy data and artificial intelligence. The company has said the broader transformation is designed to position WPP for renewed growth while making its capabilities more integrated for global clients.
In this context, Turnbull’s experience could prove particularly relevant. His career has involved leading agencies through restructurings, international expansion and changing market conditions—experience that could become valuable as WPP Creative seeks to operate as a more connected global organisation.
Turnbull Was Also Considered for Ogilvy Leadership
Interestingly, Turnbull had previously been considered for another major WPP leadership position.
He was reportedly among the candidates for the Global CEO role at Ogilvy before Laurent Ezekiel was appointed to the position in late 2025. Ezekiel now leads Ogilvy Group as Global CEO.
Turnbull’s reported selection for WPP Creative therefore signals that WPP has been closely tracking his leadership credentials even before the latest development.
What Comes Next for WPP Creative?
For now, the appointment remains a reported development rather than a formally confirmed WPP announcement. If confirmed, Turnbull will inherit a role that is central to WPP’s effort to reshape its creative business at a time when advertising is being transformed by AI, data-driven marketing and increasingly integrated client demands.
His move would also underline how quickly leadership structures across the global advertising industry are changing following major agency mergers and holding-company restructurings.
For Tyler Turnbull, the potential WPP Creative appointment could become the next major chapter in a career defined by transformation. For WPP, it could bring an experienced agency operator into a role that will be critical to turning its new creative model into a competitive advantage.
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