Full-Time
AV Business Director
WPP Media
51-200 employees
AI-native global media services network
No salary listed
Manchester, UK
Hybrid
Approximately four days per week in the office; the role requires the right to work in the United Kingdom.
 Business & Strategy (1) |
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- Extensive knowledge of the audio-visual market, market mechanics including audits, and all audio-visual tools used.
- Long-term evidence of strong leadership and proactive strategic thinking.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to adapt communication style to different personality types.
- Numeracy acumen and strong presentation skills.
- Experience contributing to individual and team development.
- Resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- The right to work in the United Kingdom.
- Serve as the senior audio-visual representative for EMN with clients, media owners, and senior internal stakeholders across the United Kingdom.
- Deliver high-quality audio-visual output through the team for clients, provide senior commercial support, develop the team, and build proactive relationships with senior media-owner partners.
- Develop overarching audio-visual and video strategies for clients.
- Work with planning, strategy, digital, PRO, and Creative Future departments to understand client business needs and deliver accurate, knowledgeable, and innovative audio-visual approaches.
- Review and improve the agency's wider video investment capabilities by benchmarking them and identifying improvement opportunities.
- Lead senior audio-visual media-partner relationships and drive market efficiencies.
- Ensure senior contact strategies remain relevant and that the agency is positioned for market opportunities.
- Lead audio-visual thinking in new-business pitches and organic business development.
- Support agency marketing by creating and leading internal and external media insight events, writing case studies, and contributing to award entries.
- Lead overall team management and development, shape and implement ways of working, manage learning and growth opportunities, and develop team culture.
- Manage and develop the audio-visual team, ensuring team members are motivated, challenged, and given development opportunities.
- Support the Head of Audio-Visual in reviewing team ways of working, improving processes and efficiency, and addressing team feedback.
- Act as the senior audio-visual representative for clients, media partners, and internal stakeholders across the United Kingdom.
- Help lead the overall audio-visual offering to clients and the market in support of the Deputy Head of Audio-Visual.
- Own the audio-visual team's strategic planning output.
- Ensure audio-visual briefing, planning, implementation, and reporting outputs are efficient, relevant, and fit for purpose.
- Present at short notice to internal and external audiences.
- Maintain zero errors across team output and ensure recommendations are supported by rationale and clear understanding.
- Ensure the team applies data-driven planning and digital-first thinking in audio-visual work.
- Challenge briefs and deliver innovation and new thinking across audio-visual work.
- Promote the use of industry research to produce high-quality, award-caliber work.
- Adapt approaches and work in response to feedback and changing circumstances.
- Own the team's buying output and ensure direct reports follow best-practice buying approaches.
- Monitor, manage, communicate, and meet trading requirements across all audio-visual channels.
- Act as the senior escalation point for team issues internally and externally.
- Work with senior commercial and United Kingdom trading teams to support business performance across the audio-visual team.
- Own the team's audit output and delivery of PRFs.
- Ensure financial procedures are followed and accounts are SOX compliant.
- Support United Kingdom partners and help deliver and report against trading objectives set by United Kingdom, EMN leadership, and commercial teams.
- Understand the commercial mechanics affecting the team.
- Lead audio-visual thinking in new-business pitches and organic business development.
- History of being a team player.
WPP Media is a global media services arm that manages more than $60 billion in annual advertising investments for leading brands. It operates across a network of established agencies (Mindshare, Wavemaker, EssenceMediacom) and combines media planning, data, production, and commerce through its proprietary WPP Open platform. Its Open Intelligence data model uses real-time behavioral signals to drive predictive, faster, and smarter marketing campaigns. The company positions itself as an AI-native media collective, consolidating capabilities under a single technology stack to improve efficiency and scale for advertisers. Its goal is to help clients buy and optimize media more effectively by leveraging integrated data, advanced analytics, and automated execution at scale.
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
2003
Get referred to WPP Media
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- August 18, 2026 LT Foods chose WPP Media for DAAWAT's India mandate.
- August 2026 Waymo awarded North America and EMEA media to WPP Media.
- H1 2026 new-business momentum led J.P. Morgan rankings, with Estée Lauder and Jaguar Land Rover wins.
What critics are saying
- April 15, 2026 FTC orders targeted WPP over alleged brand-safety collusion.
- H1 2026 WPP Media revenue less pass-through costs fell 5.4%, signaling fragile demand.
- If client losses outpace AI gains, WPP Media's consolidation thesis collapses within 2027.
What makes WPP Media unique
- May 2025 rebrand unified GroupM into WPP Media, centering WPP Open and Open Intelligence.
- Mindshare, Wavemaker, and EssenceMediacom still operate as client-facing storefronts, preserving specialized relationships.
- WPP Media bundles media, data, production, and commerce across 75% of leading global advertisers.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Hybrid Work Options
Remote Work Options
401(k) Retirement Plan
Wellness Program
Mental Health Support
Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation
Gym Membership
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Employee Discounts
Employee Referral Bonus
Professional Development Budget
Conference Attendance Budget
Training Programs
Tuition Reimbursement
Professional Certification Support
Phone/Internet Stipend
Home Office Stipend
Parental Leave
Family Planning Benefits
Fertility Treatment Support
Adoption Assistance
Childcare Support
Sabbatical Leave
Relocation Assistance
Stock Options
Company Equity
Meal Benefits
Commuter Benefits
Legal Services
Mentorship Program
EssenceMediacom
Employee Discounts
Company News
Prasad Mulik joins WPP Media as Associate Vice President, Client Services. Prasad Mulik has joined WPP Media as Associate Vice President, Client Services, taking on a senior client-facing role within the media and advertising industry. Mulik's move comes as client services functions continue to evolve alongside changes in digital advertising, media technology, data, and consumer behavior. Client-facing leadership roles are increasingly expected to connect business objectives with media strategy while coordinating across multiple teams and channels. The advertising ecosystem has become more fragmented, with brands managing campaigns across digital, social, programmatic, connected TV, commerce media, and traditional channels. This has increased the complexity of client relationships and created a greater need for teams that can bring different marketing disciplines together. In his new role at WPP Media, Mulik will work within the client services function, where responsibilities typically include managing client relationships, understanding business priorities, coordinating campaign activities, and working with internal teams to deliver media solutions aligned with client objectives. The role comes at a time when agencies are also adapting to the growing use of artificial intelligence and automation. AI is influencing areas such as audience analysis, media planning, campaign optimization, reporting, and content development, creating new opportunities as well as new considerations for client-facing teams. For agency leaders, understanding these technologies is increasingly important. Clients are not only looking for media execution but also greater clarity around data, measurement, efficiency, and the business impact of their marketing investments. Mulik's appointment reflects the continued development of senior talent within India's media and advertising ecosystem. As agency-client relationships become more closely connected to technology and data, client services professionals are increasingly positioned between commercial objectives, media strategy, and operational execution. For the broader MarTech and AdTech industry, the move highlights the changing nature of client services and the growing need for professionals who can navigate an increasingly complex media environment. The appointment adds another senior client services leader to WPP Media as the industry continues to adapt to new technologies, fragmented audiences, and evolving expectations around marketing performance.
Neelakshi Manchanda joins WPP Media as Senior Director. Neelakshi Manchanda has joined WPP Media as Senior Director, marking a new leadership move within the media and advertising industry. Her appointment was shared as she begins a new position with the global media organization. Manchanda brings experience from the technology and digital business ecosystem, with her professional background including work across enterprise and mid-market growth. Her experience spans sectors such as retail, FMCG, BFSI, healthcare, and telecommunications, giving her exposure to a range of business and customer environments. Her move to WPP Media comes as the media industry continues to change through the growing influence of data, artificial intelligence, automation, and evolving consumer behavior. Media organizations are increasingly required to connect audience insights with business objectives while managing campaigns across a fragmented set of platforms and channels. Senior leadership roles within media organizations are also becoming broader. Beyond traditional media planning and buying, leaders are increasingly working across data, technology, measurement, client strategy, and operational transformation. Manchanda's background across multiple industries provides experience in navigating different customer and business requirements. Her new role at WPP Media places that experience within a media environment where technology and marketing are becoming increasingly interconnected. The appointment also reflects the continued movement of professionals with technology and growth experience into senior positions across the media ecosystem. As advertisers seek more measurable and integrated approaches to marketing, professionals who understand both business requirements and technology-enabled solutions are taking on increasingly important roles. For the wider MarTech and AdTech industry, Manchanda's appointment highlights how media leadership continues to evolve alongside changes in digital advertising, AI, data, and customer engagement. Her move adds another senior professional to WPP Media's organization as the media industry navigates an increasingly complex landscape shaped by changing audience behaviors, emerging technologies, and new approaches to marketing effectiveness.
WPP Media secures integrated media mandate for LT Foods' flagship brand DAAWAT(R) in India. August 18, 2026 WPP Media announced that it has been appointed as the integrated media partner for LT Foods Limited, the billion-dollar global FMCG company in the consumer foods space, to lead the media mandate for its flagship brand, DAAWAT(R), in India. The mandate encompasses end-to-end media strategy, planning, buying, and activation, with WPP Media leveraging its expertise in audience intelligence, AI-powered planning, data, technology, and integrated media to deliver connected consumer experiences and measurable business outcomes. Home to iconic brands such as DAAWAT(R) and with a presence in over 85 countries, LT Foods is partnering with WPP Media to strengthen brand relevance and accelerate growth in India's evolving consumer landscape. By combining strategic insight, precision planning, and cross-channel media capabilities, WPP Media will help build a future-ready media ecosystem that drives deeper consumer engagement, stronger brand equity, and sustainable business growth. Ritesh Sud, Chief Marketing Officer - India & Far East, LT Foods Limited, said, "As we accelerate our growth ambitions in India, building stronger and more meaningful consumer connections is a strategic priority. WPP Media's integrated capabilities, audience-first approach, and deep understanding of the evolving media landscape make them the ideal partner to help strengthen our brands and deliver measurable business growth. We look forward to building a future-ready media ecosystem together." Priti Murthy, President Client Solutions, WPP Media South Asia, said, "The future of marketing lies in connected experiences powered by data, technology, and deep audience understanding. We are delighted to partner with LT Foods to build an integrated media ecosystem that brings together strategic planning, AI-powered capabilities, and precision execution. Together, we look forward to creating stronger consumer connections, accelerating brand growth, and delivering measurable business outcomes." The partnership underscores WPP Media's strength in delivering connected, audience-first media solutions that drive business growth. Leveraging AI, data, technology, and integrated media capabilities, WPP Media will help LT Foods build stronger consumer connections, enhance brand relevance, and accelerate sustainable growth across India's evolving media landscape.
WPP Media wins Waymo's media mandate across North America and EMEA. The agency will handle media strategy, planning and buying as Waymo expands into international markets. 0:00 / 1:02 WPP Media has been appointed as the media agency for Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous driving company, across North America and Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Under the mandate, WPP Media will oversee media strategy, planning and buying across the two regions. The agency will also support Waymo as it expands into some of its first international markets. The incumbent agency on the account could not be immediately ascertained. The appointment comes as Waymo steps up its marketing and international expansion efforts. The company is also reportedly reviewing creative agencies for its first Super Bowl advertising campaign, indicating a broader push to build consumer awareness and familiarity around autonomous transportation. Suzanne Philion, Chief Marketing Officer at Waymo, said the company aims to make autonomous transportation a familiar part of everyday life as it enters new markets. She added that WPP's global capabilities would help Waymo build stronger connections with local communities while supporting its ambition of becoming the world's most trusted autonomous driving service.
Time Out's 'The Top 2%' celebrates UK restaurant scene. 12/08/2026 Time Out, Chase UK - the digital bank - and WPP Media have launched a partnership that moves beyond traditional sponsorship, creating a long-term editorial platform celebrating the UK's restaurant scene, while integrating Chase's brand proposition in a genuinely useful way for consumers. The Top 2% is a major new editorial platform describing outstanding restaurants across the UK. Exceptional dining. Bringing together 200 exceptional restaurants selected by Time Out's expert food editors, The Top 2% is designed to help food lovers discover the very best places to eat across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - from much-loved neighbourhood favourites and family-run institutions to destination dining and some of Britain's most exciting chefs. Created by Time Out in partnership with digital bank Chase, with WPP Media leading the strategic and media planning, the campaign spans print, digital, social, CRM, vodcast (video podcast) and video, celebrating the people, places and dishes shaping Britain's dining scene today. Leonie Cooper, Food & Drink Editor at Time Out, said: "Time Out has always helped people discover brilliant places to eat, and The Top 2% is its most ambitious celebration of Britain's restaurant scene yet. "From neighbourhood institutions to destination dining, it's a guide to the places we genuinely believe every food lover should know about. We hope it inspires people to discover somewhere new, revisit an old favourite and celebrate the incredible talent behind Britain's hospitality industry." At the heart of the campaign is The Top 2% Guide - a beautifully designed 64-page limited-edition print publication showcasing Time Out's all-time favourite restaurants across every region of the UK. More than simply a list, the guide features exclusive editorial storytelling, chef interviews and recommendations from Time Out's food experts, creating the ultimate companion for anyone passionate about eating well. Alongside the print guide, Time Out is launching an always-on digital hub that will continue to evolve throughout the year with seasonal restaurant round-ups, curated recommendations and fresh editorial content. For the first time, 200 restaurants across the UK will also receive Time Out Recommends stickers, recognising them as part of the country's Top 2% and helping diners discover outstanding places to eat wherever they are. The campaign will also introduce Table for 2%, a brand-new vodcast series bringing together some of Britain's most exciting chefs and restaurateurs over meals at restaurants featured in the guide. Across eight episodes, guests will share industry insights, favourite dishes, career stories and their thoughts on what makes a truly memorable dining experience. Throughout the campaign, Chase will be positioned as the ideal companion for discovering great food, highlighting how customers can get more from their money with 2% cashback on everyday card spending with Chase, including at restaurants, cafés and on takeaways, as well as groceries, fuel and everyday transport. Tamsin Weir, Partnerships & Digital Solutions Director at Time Out added: "Consumers don't separate content from experiences anymore, and neither should partnerships. "The Top 2% brings together trusted editorial, premium storytelling and brilliant food experiences in a way that feels useful to its audience. "We're proud to have brought it to life with Chase and WPP Media, celebrating the very best of British dining while creating a platform that will continue to grow well beyond launch." Deborah Keay, Chief Marketing Officer at Chase, said: "People create some of their best memories around food. "Whether it's discovering a neighbourhood café, celebrating over dinner or planning a weekend away around a great restaurant, we're delighted to partner with Time Out, helping more people to earn 2% cashback when they dine out." Holly Carters, Director at WPP Media UK, added: "This campaign is a great example of what a strong partnership can do when it starts with something genuinely useful for the audience. "Working with Chase and Time Out, we wanted to create a platform that felt credible, engaging and easy for people to use. It gives food lovers fresh reasons to discover brilliant restaurants across Britain, while connecting naturally with Chase's role in helping customers get more from everyday moments." The campaign launches with: * The Top 2% Guide - a 64-page premium print guide (20,000 limited-edition copies). * The Top 2% Digital Hub - featuring the UK's 200 best restaurants plus monthly themed guides. * Time Out Recommends stickers displayed at all 200 featured restaurants. * Table for 2%, an eight-part vodcast series filmed inside restaurants featured in the guide. * An ongoing programme of editorial features, social content and newsletters celebrating Britain's best dining.