whiteGREY CEO Lee Simpson steps down following global restructure of GREY and AKQA

Grey has confirmed that whiteGREY CEO Lee Simpson will be stepping down from his role effective immediately following a global restructure uniting whiteGREY under the AKQA brand.

As part of the change, the whiteGREY brand will no longer exist and will become part of AKQA Australia and New Zealand studio, led by Asia Pacific managing partner Brian Vella.

Simpson said he is proud of the significant achievements the agency has achieved since he was appointed to the role of CEO in 2017: “I joined whiteGREY at a challenging time when Grey and The White Agency merged and embarked on an ambitious journey of expansion and growth to its services, capabilities and clients. We created a new positioning and model, welcomed some fantastic clients, have been recognised as a top ten agency in the region for creativity and effectiveness (Cannes and WARC respectively) and are currently AFR’s Most Innovative Media & Marketing Company and the Most Innovative Small business in ANZ. We proved Tension really can create extraordinary.”

Says Rose Herceg, country president, Australia & New Zealand, WPP: “Lee is one of the best leaders I’ve ever known. Smart, gutsy and a leader whom we all respect. Lee has set the foundation for the next exciting period in AKQA Australia and New Zealand’s evolution. Lee can be incredibly proud of the contribution he has made. I have enjoyed every minute of working with Lee. It’s been a personal highlight for me.”

Simpson will continue to work alongside Vella for next couple of months to ensure a seamless transition, supporting the new AKQA AUNZ team and its clients.

The CEO position is the only role affected by the changes. No further comment will be made at this time. Further announcements will be made in due course.