Ogilvy Worldwide CEO John Seifert has announced in an internal memo that he will step down from his role in 2021 to retire.
Seifert has been with the WPP agency for 41 years joining as a summer intern in 1979.
He stepped into the global role in 2016, succeeding Miles Young.
During his time in the top role, Seifert oversaw the global restructure and rebrand of Ogilvy for its 70th anniversary.
In the memo, he says that together with WPP global CEO Mark Read, the process to find his successor will begin now "knowing that this process takes time and thoughtful engagement with potential candidates internally and externally."
In the interim he says that he will continue to lead Ogilvy with all of his "strenth" until a successor is found and the leadership transition is completed.
"It’s been an extraordinary privilege to serve Ogilvy since joining the company as a summer intern in 1979," he said in the memo.
"I love this company with all my heart and will be forever supportive of its success."
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