LONDON / NEW DELHI: In a major leadership return, WPP Media has appointed industry leader David Gaines as its new President and Global Head of Planning.
Gaines announced his new role via LinkedIn, transitioning back to the advertising and communications giant after successfully building the independent media agency, Media by Mother.
Key Takeaways
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A Strategic Return: This appointment marks a homecoming for Gaines, who previously served as WPP’s Global Head of Media Strategy between September 2018 and May 2020.
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The Entrepreneurial Chapter: Prior to rejoining WPP, Gaines was the Founder and CEO of Media by Mother from January 2021 until May 2026, building the startup into a credible media agency capable of competing with established industry heavyweights.
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The Mandate Ahead: At WPP Media, Gaines will lead the design and scaling of a modernized approach to media planning. His focus will center on navigating a shifting landscape where Artificial Intelligence, evolving digital platforms, data analytics, and cultural trends are transforming global brand communication.
“The next chapter is an opportunity to apply many of those lessons at global scale, at a moment when AI, platforms, creativity, data and culture are rapidly reshaping how brands grow and communicate.” — David Gaines, President & Global Head of Planning, WPP Media
