In a move signaling strategic shifts within the advertising giant, Ogilvy has named Lyndsey Corona as its new U.S. CEO, effective January 2026. This appointment comes amid a wave of leadership changes at parent company WPP, positioning Corona to lead the agency’s largest revenue-generating region. With over two decades of experience spanning global agencies, startups, and holding companies, Corona is tasked with driving integrated growth across advertising, public relations, customer experience, and consulting services.

Corona’s background includes key roles at agencies like Droga5 and as president and partner at Slap Global, where she focused on creative innovation and market expansion. Her holistic perspective is expected to bolster Ogilvy’s client-centric approach, particularly in an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping creative strategies and operational efficiencies. Industry insiders view this as a pivotal step for Ogilvy to enhance client retention and adapt to the rapid AI adoption projected for 2025.

A Leadership Transition Amid WPP’s Broader Reorganization

The announcement follows a series of executive moves at WPP, including Devika Bulchandani’s promotion to Chief Operating Officer and Laurent Ezekiel’s appointment as CEO of Ogilvy Group, as reported by Campaign Brief. These changes underscore WPP’s commitment to intelligent growth and enhanced client solutions across its network.

Corona’s role will involve spearheading Ogilvy’s U.S. operations, which encompass a wide array of services aimed at fostering business growth. According to Campaign US, the appointment is part of ongoing people moves designed to strengthen the agency’s competitive edge in a dynamic market.

Her immediate priorities include integrating AI into creative processes to improve efficiency and innovation, aligning with industry trends where 86% of agencies are expected to adopt AI by 2025, based on recent sector analyses. This focus aims to boost client retention by up to 15%, addressing challenges like shifting consumer behaviors and digital transformation demands.

Corona’s Track Record in Creative and Strategic Innovation

Lyndsey Corona brings a wealth of experience from her tenure at global networks and innovative startups. As detailed in LBBOnline, she has led initiatives that emphasize talent development and client value, crucial for Ogilvy’s integrated U.S. operations.

Prior to this, Corona served as president and partner at Slap Global, where she contributed to the company’s recognition as Independent Agency of the Year, per SHOOTonline. Her expertise in leveraging technology for creative strategies positions her well to tackle the AI-driven disruptions facing agencies today.

Industry reports highlight how leaders like Corona are pivotal in navigating the AI landscape. Posts on X from industry accounts, including those from Ad Age, discuss AI reshaping entry-level roles and the need for agencies to retrain talent, reflecting broader sentiments on platforms like X where marketers share insights on AI adoption.

AI Integration as a Core Strategy for Client Retention

Ogilvy’s emphasis under Corona will likely center on AI-integrated creative strategies to enhance client engagement. As noted in Exchange4media, her leadership will drive growth in advertising, PR, CX, and consulting, with AI as a key enabler.

Amid projections of 86% AI adoption in agencies by 2025, Corona’s approach could address client retention challenges. Recent web searches reveal discussions on X about AI’s role in optimizing personalized content and real-time insights, echoing Ad Age’s coverage of marketers turning to AI for data-driven strategies.

This strategic pivot is essential as agencies face pressure to deliver measurable results. Corona’s experience at holding companies equips her to implement AI tools that streamline workflows, potentially increasing retention rates by fostering deeper client partnerships through innovative, data-informed campaigns.

Industry Context: WPP’s Global Ambitions and Challenges

WPP’s broader leadership overhaul, including appointments like Floriane Tripolino as CEO of WPP Open X, signals a push for global network growth, according to MARKETECH APAC. Ogilvy’s U.S. arm, under Corona, will play a central role in this expansion.

Challenges include adapting to economic uncertainties and technological shifts. PR Week reports that these moves follow a series of shifts aimed at bolstering WPP’s agencies amid competitive pressures.

Corona’s appointment is timely, as agencies grapple with AI’s impact on talent and creativity. X posts from Ad Age highlight how AI is reshaping roles, with agencies retooling education and training to stay ahead, providing real-time sentiment on the evolving industry landscape.

Future Outlook: Driving Growth in an AI-Era Agency

Looking ahead, Corona’s leadership is poised to accelerate Ogilvy’s adoption of AI for creative excellence. Storyboard18 emphasizes her invaluable perspective from diverse experiences, which will inform strategies for U.S. market dominance.

Client retention efforts will leverage AI to personalize services, aiming for a 15% uplift as agencies integrate tools for better insights and efficiency. This aligns with broader industry trends where AI adoption is accelerating, as evidenced by recent news on X and web sources discussing AI’s transformative potential.

Ogilvy’s integrated model, combining creative and consulting expertise, positions it well under Corona to capitalize on these opportunities. Her track record suggests a focus on innovation that could redefine agency-client relationships in the coming years.

Implications for Talent and Agency Culture

Corona’s emphasis on talent development will be crucial as AI alters traditional roles. Ad Age’s coverage, including posts on X, notes how agencies are retraining staff to harness AI, with entry-level positions evolving rapidly.

This cultural shift at Ogilvy could attract top talent seeking AI-forward environments. By fostering a collaborative, innovative culture, Corona aims to enhance employee retention alongside client metrics.

Industry observers anticipate that her strategies will set benchmarks for AI integration, influencing how agencies worldwide adapt to technological advancements while maintaining creative integrity.

Strategic Priorities in a Competitive Landscape

In the competitive advertising sector, Corona’s role involves navigating mergers, digital disruptions, and economic factors. Her experience at startups like Slap Global provides agility in responding to these challenges.

AI’s role in client strategies will be key, with tools enabling real-time data optimization for campaigns. This could lead to stronger client loyalty, addressing the 15% retention boost targeted amid high AI adoption rates.

As Ogilvy expands globally, Corona’s U.S. leadership will bridge local innovations with international goals, potentially reshaping WPP’s overall performance in key markets.