Josh Krichefski, Global COO EssenceMediacom, has been nominated as IPA President-elect to succeed Julian Douglas, Vice Chairman of VCCP. The election will take place as part of the IPA AGM proceedings on 23 March 2023.
Krichefski was chosen following a formal three-month selection process led by former President Nigel Vaz, CEO of Publicis Sapient, who headed up the Presidential Nominating Committee.
Says Nigel Vaz, CEO, Publicis Sapient: "I could not be more delighted that Josh has agreed to take on this role. He is the perfect person to lead our industry as we start the second quarter of 2023. Josh’s energy and passion for our business will be invaluable in helping us all make the most of the opportunities that next year will inevitably bring. I know he will be an outstanding President."
Says Paul Bainsfair, Director General. IPA: "I am very much looking forward to working with Josh to ensure the IPA remains the power behind the practitioners. He is already a member of IPA Council and his pioneering work on good mental health – People First Better Results - is well known to me, and is seen as a blueprint for other agencies to follow. I can’t think of anyone better to help us focus on what is important over the next two years."
Says Josh Krichefski, Global COO, EssenceMediacom and IPA President-elect: "I am truly honoured to have been chosen as the next President of the IPA. I look forward to building on the outstanding work of my predecessors in championing our industry, its creativity and its impact in the world."
We are living through an extraordinarily disruptive period which is reshaping the economic, social and natural environment. How we continue to adapt as an industry is absolutely crucial as to how we, and our clients, will survive and prosper in the years ahead.
Josh Krichefski biography
MediaCom is one of the world’s leading media agencies, with billings of US$1.6 billion. Its global client roster includes adidas, Coca-Cola (TCCC), Dell, Hasbro, Mars, NBC Universal, P&G, PSA, Richemont, Shell and Sony. MediaCom is merging with Essence - a best in class global data and measurement-driven media agency who boasts clients such as Google, Airbnb, Target, Sainsbury and L’Oreal - to form EssenceMediacom. The new agency will be operational in January 2023.
Operating across 125 offices with 10,000 people, EssenceMediacom will infuse the digital and data-driven DNA of Essence with MediaCom’s scaled multichannel media expertise. Designed to respond to today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, clients will be able to leverage an expanded global organisation founded by two agencies that are strategic complements.
As Global COO, Josh leads the merger, focusing on culture, people, product, client growth and revolutionising the operating model. Josh also oversees the agency’s Global client practice with hubs in New York, San Francisco, London, Paris, Düsseldorf, Singapore as well as the agency’s Marketing function.
Josh is trustee of The Talent Foundry, is on the board of the MS Society and is known for his advocacy work around mental health and workplace wellbeing. In this area, he has created a Manifesto for a new era of mental health in business, working with UK government to help businesses manage mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. He is a long-suffering Arsenal supporter, lover of travel, music, theatre and film.
IPA election procedure
The new President will take over officially at a short Special Council meeting, which will follow on from the quarterly Council meeting and AGM, on 23 March 2023.
The IPA Council is the elected governing body of the IPA with responsibility for overseeing its membership, strategic focus and management. It is chaired by the IPA President, who is supported by the Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer.
The new President’s speech will be broadcast approximately one week after the AGM.
Last updated 01 May 2024