Wunderman Thompson, a WPP agency, announced that Paul Shearer has been appointed global creative client leader, with the title CCO global clients. The talented and experienced creative leader joins Wunderman Thompson from BBDO to bolster the creative momentum on the network’s roster of global clients. Shearer joins at a time of creative momentum for Wunderman Thompson, given the Epica Network of the Year achievement for 2020 and the Cannes Lions 2021 Grand Prix for Innovation for their work with Degree Inclusive for Unilever.
Scottish native Shearer, best known for his Nike work with sports celebrities at various agencies, will lead creative for Global Clients at Wunderman Thompson. Key global clients include Microsoft, HSBC, Dell, Pfizer, Shell, Nestle and Unilever. He will be working closely with global chief client officer Caroline Foster Kenny and global chief creative officers Daniel Bonner and Bas Korsten. Shearer will also join Wunderman Thompson’s Global Inspiration Council, the forum that drives creative excellence across the network. Shearer will start in October 2021 and be based in London.
Prior to Wunderman Thompson, Shearer served as CCO and creative council chairman of BBDO across the EMEA region. He previously worked for Bartle Bogle Hegarty London, Wieden + Kennedy Amsterdam, Ogilvy and was a founding partner at the global agency Nitro, having led global clients such as Nike, Coke, Masterfoods and Volvo. These experiences have involved him in work that has won more than 70 Cannes Lions, including the Middle East’s first-ever Grand Prix, as well as more than 40 D&AD pencils, and a plethora of One Show pencils and Clio trophies. His work for Nike is displayed in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and topped the music charts in more than 250 countries in the world.
Paul Shearer said, “It’s never been so important for global brands to show their relevance. I am a passionate believer that real meaningful creativity is the way to do just that. Wunderman Thompson and all WPP agencies are at the forefront of this, and their recent work for Unilever is a prime example. Work that has clients’ DNA at the centre and world-class creativity wrapped around it. Work that talks to consumers in a relevant and meaningful way and wins Cannes Lions Grand Prix as a result.”
“My ambition is to help Caroline, Bas and Daniel and the rest of the leadership team continue this amazing work across all of Wunderman Thompson’s global clients. I have always had a passion for big brands and helping them listen and react in a way that helps their consumers live better. I am very humbled to have this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started,” Shearer continued.
Bas Korsten and Daniel Bonner, global chief creative officers Wunderman Thompson, said, “We couldn’t be happier that Paul is joining to help build out our creative momentum. He’s an experienced and inspiring creative leader that will help raise the bar on our top 30 clients. And a very nice human being as well.”
Caroline Foster Kenny, global chief client officer Wunderman Thompson, said, “We’re in the fortunate position to be working with so many amazing global clients and brands, and we have a clear ambition to be their most inspiring growth partner. Given his phenomenal experience and track record, Paul’s arrival at Wunderman Thompson will help us realise that ambition even faster.”
