Maiko Valentijn appointed WPP Market Manager Benelux

New WPP structure leads to departure of Eric Kramer

WPP has appointed Maiko Valentijn as WPP Market Manager Benelux. He will take on the new role alongside his existing position as CEO of WPP Media.

The appointment is part of a broader reorganization in which WPP is working towards a simpler and more integrated organizational structure. According to the company, the regional leadership model is intended to encourage greater collaboration between the group’s creative, design, media, and PR networks.

Broader leadership across the Benelux

In his new role, Valentijn takes responsibility for the collaboration between various WPP labels in the Benelux, including VML, Ogilvy, Burson, AKQA, Landor, and Design Bridge & Partners.

With this, WPP aims to simplify access for customers to specialist knowledge and talent within the group.

Alongside Valentijn’s appointment, WPP has also named Jeroen Oppatja as Managing Director of WPP Enterprise Solutions Netherlands. In addition, Rob Hill will take on the role of CEO of Ogilvy Benelux.

Eric Kramer departs

The new organizational structure coincides with the departure of Eric Kramer, who is leaving WPP after 18 years. In recent years, Kramer served as Country Manager Netherlands.

In a personal LinkedIn message, Kramer described the strategic changes within WPP as a natural moment to reassess his own role.

Eric Kramer: “I asked myself whether, after 18 years, I am still the right person for this position. After a period I am immensely proud of, my honest answer was no. WPP and I came to the same conclusion, and this is the right moment for us to part ways.”

According to Kramer, after his departure he wants to focus more on marketing as a force for positive change, potentially working more closely with social organizations and brands he feels personally connected to.

Greater integration within WPP

The changes align with the international strategy update recently presented by. The company is placing greater emphasis on integration, AI, simplicity, and collaboration between the different disciplines across the group.

For Valentijn, the appointment marks a further expansion of his role within WPP’s Dutch and Benelux organization.

www.wpp.com

Follow Marketing Report on LinkedIn