OGILVY APPOINTS CAROL REED AS FIRST GLOBAL CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER

Ogilvy Group has named Carol Reed its inaugural global chief innovation officer. Reporting to CEO Laurent Ezekiel, Reed will spearhead new technology products, expand social and influencer practices, and drive strategic partnerships. Her appointment reflects Ogilvy’s response to shifting consumer behaviour, cultural change, and accelerating advances in artificial intelligence.  

Ogilvy Group, the storied WPP-owned network that encompasses agencies such as Ogilvy, Grey, and David, has appointed industry veteran Carol Reed as its first global chief innovation officer. The newly created role signals the company’s determination to stay ahead of rapid shifts in consumer behaviour, cultural trends, and technological disruption.  

Reed, who reports directly to Ogilvy’s global chief executive Laurent Ezekiel, will be tasked with developing and scaling new technology-driven products and services across the network. Her remit includes strengthening practice areas such as social, influencer marketing, and sports and entertainment, while also identifying opportunities for strategic partnerships and acquisitions.  

Speaking to Adweek about the timing of the appointment, Reed emphasised the pace of change reshaping the industry. “There’s just so much change happening between consumer behaviour shifting, and culture changing constantly,” she said. “At the same time, you have technology accelerating with AI.” Her comments underscore the urgency with which agencies are rethinking their models to remain relevant in a marketplace where innovation is increasingly the currency of growth.  

For Ogilvy, the move reflects a broader ambition to integrate creativity with cutting-edge technology. The group has long been recognised for its legacy in brand storytelling and advertising excellence, but Reed’s appointment suggests a sharper focus on building platforms and services that can adapt to the demands of digital-first audiences. By placing innovation at the heart of its global leadership structure, Ogilvy is signalling that it intends to compete not only with traditional rivals but also with technology firms and consultancies encroaching on the marketing space.  

Reed’s role will also be pivotal in ensuring Ogilvy’s agencies can harness artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively. With AI reshaping content creation, consumer engagement, and data analysis, her leadership is expected to guide the network in balancing technological adoption with creative integrity.  

Laurent Ezekiel’s decision to bring Reed into the executive team highlights the importance of innovation as a driver of future growth. It positions Ogilvy to respond to clients seeking integrated solutions that combine creativity, technology, and cultural insight.  

The appointment of a global chief innovation officer is a first for Ogilvy, but it may well set a precedent across the industry. As Reed takes on the challenge, her success will be measured by how effectively she can translate technological advances into meaningful creative outcomes that resonate with audiences worldwide.