John Cornwell Email & Phone Number

London, Gb

As a key member of WPP’s commercial leadership team, I have been responsible for leading Ogilvy’s commercial strategy and driving sustainable commercial practices while ensuring excellence across the organisation. From a commercial viewpoint, I oversee several major globally recognised clients in sectors such as FMCG, Automotive and Telco. Notable successes include developing a commercial strategy that has been adopted as a group-wide blueprint across WPP, pioneering pricing and investment strategies, creating bespoke training and competency programmes, and establishing a commercial hub for all staff.

London, United Kingdom

In conjunction with my CCO role, I served on the UK board and navigated our UK business through a turbulent period, heading a major restructure and turnaround programme from both a financial and operational perspective. I was responsible for leading complex negotiations with clients and suppliers, and putting in place best-in-class working practices and operational improvements to achieve year-on-year growth while enhancing business efficiency. I also partnered with our creative community, steering investments to build an award-winning agency with a lasting societal impact.

I oversaw finance strategy and operations for EMEA, implementing turnaround plans for businesses in regions such as Spain, Italy, France and the MEMAC region. In addition, I founded a Commercial Leaders Group aimed at driving improved commercial practices and behaviours, and managed all commercial aspects of our Ford business internationally.

I was brought into this board-level position to help restructure and transform OgilvyOne into a world-class agency, delivering five consecutive years of exponential growth through the worldwide financial crisis period. During my tenure, I set up a commercial negotiating practice that was universally adopted, helped the business win ‘Agency of the Year’ three times, and demonstrated a creative and visionary leadership approach.