What you need to know:

• WPP AUNZ boss Jens Monsees has stepped down.
• The move follows the global take over by the holding group earlier this year, signalling the first stage of transition plans.
• WPP may now choose to create a Country Manager role overseeing both WPP and GroupM, in line with global templates.

WPP AUNZ CEO Jens Monsees has stepped down as the holding group transitions from a public company to a fully integrated region within WPP PLC.

His decision follows the completion this week of a Scheme of Arrangement that made WPP the sole shareholder of WPP AUNZ, which was subsequently delisted from the Australian Securities Exchange. 

Monsees joined the business in October 2019. He was tasked with transforming the company, bolstering its capabilities in experience, commerce, data and technology while cutting costs and driving profit.

No mean feat and Monsees time at the business has not been without is challenges. He has consistently batted away complaints about his reforms and management style, dismissing them as sour grapes "from people who are leaving the business." 

A new WPP leader will be appointed and in the interim the business will be led by the agency brand leaders, supported by WPP AUNZ Chief Financial Officer Chris Rollinson and other members of the central team, through an executive committee chaired by WPP Chief Operating Officer Andrew Scott.

“Jens has made a major contribution to WPP AUNZ during his time with the company. Despite the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, he has delivered significant progress in transforming WPP’s business in Australia and New Zealand, which is very well positioned for the future," Mark Read, Chief Executive Officer of WPP, said.

This week, Mi3 reported on the possibility that the search for a new GroupM CEO could include oversight of WPP, in a Country Manager capacity.

The structure exists in other markets: Karen Blackett is WPP UK’s first Country Manager for the region and last year became its CEO for GroupM.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved together as one team, leaving WPP AUNZ as a more future-proof, growing and performing business. I am leaving many great colleagues behind," Monsees said.

"The strategic progress we accomplished and the strong financial turnaround we achieved are testament to the great collaboration of our people across the business and their ongoing commitment to serving our clients."

Monsees' next move is unclear, however he has expressed a keen interest in staying in Australia.