Josh Krichefski

Twice crowned as the advertising industry’s “Number One Media Agency Leader” by Campaign Magazine, Josh Krichefski is IPA President and CEO of GroupM EMEA and the U.K. where he leads more than 16,000 people passionate about making advertising work better for people.

Josh was previously Global COO of the newly formed EssenceMediacom, where he led the merger and oversaw the agency’s global client practice. Before EssenceMediacom, Josh was MediaCom’s Global COO and EMEA CEO, introducing numerous programs to improve life at the agency. These include the launch of the Mental Health Allies programs, the introduction of Empathy Ambassadors, Unconscious Bias Training, and Conscious Leadership for the top 65 leaders in the business. He also oversaw the launch of a new partnership with Scope to make MediaCom more inclusive.

Josh is trustee of Transformation Trust, advancing career development opportunities for children from underprivileged backgrounds and a founding member of the World Wellbeing Movement and the MS Society Appeal Board. In the area of mental health, he has created a Manifesto for a new era of mental health in business, working with U.K. government to help businesses manage mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

He is well known for his focus and determination by his colleagues, competitors, and clients, and balances a drive for performance with a passion for instilling an inclusive and learning culture. A long-suffering Arsenal supporter, Josh grew up in North London where he still lives today with his wife Deb, an architect, and two children Ruby and Leo.