The ad holding giant WPP is merging J. Walter Thompson, one of the world's oldest ad agencies, with Wunderman, its global digital network, the company announced on Monday.
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The new organization, called Wunderman Thompson, will be led by Wunderman's global CEO, Mel Edwards, while Tamara Ingram, the CEO of J. Walter Thompson, will become chairman.
The merger comes on the heels of a similar union in September, where WPP brought together the agencies VML and Young & Rubicam to create a new entity called VMLY&R.
It's the latest illustration of CEO Mark Read's quest to simplify WPP's various networks, revive growth, and better integrate creative, digital, and media functions.
"It shows that there are no sacred cows, which is a good sign for WPP," said David Jones, the former Havas chief who founded the brand-tech company You & Mr. Jones.
Click here to read more about what the merger means for the future of the industry.
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