GroupM names Colan McGeehan Chief Marketing and Business Officer for North America
GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, has announced that Colan McGeehan has been named the group’s North America Chief Marketing & Business Officer.
A member of GroupM’s North American Executive Committee, McGeehan’s core responsibility in this new client-facing role will be to develop new and innovative business opportunities through GroupM’s award-winning agencies (Mindshare, MediaCom, Wavemaker, and Essence) across the U.S. and Canada.
McGeehan will also develop and lead all GroupM growth practitioners in North America that continue to expand GroupM’s client relationships as well as evolve existing client businesses to reflect the needs of brands and their consumers alike. Additionally, McGeehan will be the leader of the communications and marketing organizations for North America.
Kirk McDonald, North American CEO, GroupM: “The last two years have been marked by extensive growth and success for all of GroupM illustrated by the success of our operating agencies across all of North America. In response to the ever-evolving landscape, there’s never been a better time to enrich our storytelling inside the individual agencies/opcos and for our clients. Colan brings transformative thinking, unparalleled expertise in investment and innovation, and proven success across many industries into this new role to empower that opportunity.”
McGeehan comes to GroupM from his role as Chief Investment Officer of Publicis Health Media (PHM), where he oversaw vital client affairs across investment management, partnerships, business affairs and innovation. He worked to help brands reshape how they invested in their business to simultaneously achieve near-term outcomes and positioning for long-term growth. Throughout his career, McGeehan has also managed large-scale businesses, ranging from private equity startups, VC-backed startups and mid-sized organizations, all the way up to the large public, Fortune 500 companies both domestically and internationally.
McGeehan: “I am excited for an opportunity to not only join GroupM’s expert leadership team but also create a unique position that can further transform what a CMO relationship can look like. The way to build brand relationships with consumers has dramatically changed as we have transitioned to a new economy. Agencies need to recognize that and constantly be transforming how they meet these new needs. GroupM has proven their commitment to innovation and working with clients to reshape the industry.”
Prior to PHM, McGeehan also spent time at companies such as The New York Times, WebMD, Sharecare, and Time Inc. (Meredith Corp). He is based in New York.
