Agency peers and competitors honor Michael Roth upon his retirement from Interpublic Group
In a significant shift for the advertising industry, Michael Roth, a seasoned business leader with a legal background, has announced his retirement from the CEO position at Interpublic Group (IPG) [1][2]. Roth, who has been at the helm of IPG for 16 years, will step down as both CEO and chairman at the start of this year but will continue to serve as executive chairman for one more year before fully retiring [1].
Roth's journey with IPG began at an unspecified point in the past, following his tenure as a non-executive director at the company for two years [1]. Prior to joining IPG, Roth had a professional background in financial services and business leadership, and he was a lawyer by training, having graduated from New York University Law School and Boston University Law School [1][2]. Notably, Roth did not have a background in advertising when he joined IPG as CEO.
During his tenure, Roth led IPG through a period of stability and growth, steering the company that owns advertising agencies such as McCann, FCB, Golin, R\GA, MullenLowe, Weber Shandwick, and many others [3]. Roth succeeded David Bell as the chief of IPG, who was the previous CEO of the company [4].
As Roth prepares for his retirement, Philippe Krakowsky has taken over as the new CEO of Interpublic Group, effective from January [5]. Roth will retain a role on the board of IPG after his retirement [1].
References:
[1] Lippe, G. (2021, January 12). Michael Roth to Retire as CEO of Interpublic Group. Adweek. https://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/michael-roth-retire-ceo-interpublic-group-1587696/
[2] Thompson, R. (2021, January 12). Michael Roth to Step Down as Chairman and CEO of Interpublic Group. The Drum. https://www.thedrum.com/news/2021/01/12/michael-roth-step-down-chairman-and-ceo-interpublic-group
[3] Interpublic Group. (n.d.). Our Agencies. Interpublic Group. https://www.interpublic.com/agencies
[4] Interpublic Group. (n.d.). Leadership. Interpublic Group. https://www.interpublic.com/about/leadership
[5] Interpublic Group. (2021, January 12). Philippe Krakowsky Named Chief Executive Officer of Interpublic Group. Business Wire. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210112005646/en/Philippe-Krakowsky-Named-Chief-Executive-Officer-of-Interpublic-Group
Roth's retirement marks a transition in the leadership of Interpublic Group, as he previously led the finance-oriented business with a legal background and no advertising background, guiding the company through growth and stability over his 16-year tenure as CEO. With Roth's stepping down, Philippe Krakowsky joins the company as the new CEO, bringing knowledge from previous roles in finance and business leadership, poised to continue the successful trajectory of the business.
