Mel Edwards replaces Mark Read as global CEO of Wunderman

Global digital agency, Wunderman has appointed Mel Edwards (pictured) as global CEO, effective immediately. She succeeds Mark Read, who was recently named CEO of WPP. As global CEO, Edwards will oversee 9,200 people across 200 offices in 70 markets and build on Wunderman’s strengths and trusted partner for brands looking to become future ready, the statement said.Edwards has been with Wunderman since 2012 and for the past three years, having helmed the role as EMEA CEO. During her six years at Wunderman, Edwards had won and retained some of the agency’s largest clients including Shell, BT Group, EY and Samsung Europe, the statement added.Edwards was also responsible for consolidating Wunderman's position in the marketplace by spearheading the agency’s place on Shell’s agency roster, launching on-site solution Wunderman Inside. She helped with hiring client lead Jason Warnes, global client consulting lead Kathryn Arbour and Wunderman Inside managing director James Sanderson. Prior to joining Wunderman, Edwards served as CEO of M&C Saatchi’s LIDA.“Edward is an exceptional leader who demonstrated her ability to build the business by winning new clients and developing existing ones, attracting top talent and integrating technology into our offer. The agency has become a powerhouse in Europe and I have every confidence that it will continue its success globally with her leadership of an outstanding team around the world,” Read (pictured) said.“I’m proud to accept this new responsibility as global CEO and I’m excited to work with the people of Wunderman to drive the agency forward – combining our creative, data and technology capabilities to deliver the best work and results for our clients,” Edwards said.Read also: Wunderman SG fills CEO spot with former Accenture Digital lead  WPP takes full ownership of Y&R and Wunderman in APAC Wunderman lead on lessons learnt as an agency leader  Wunderman names new global chief creative officer