Jill Kelly is out as U.S. CEO of GroupM’s EssenceMediacom, according to an internal memo reviewed by Ad Age. Kelly, who was originally appointed to the role in 2022 to oversee the merger of GroupM’s Essence and Mediacom media agencies, will remain with GroupM in a currently untitled role, according to a person familiar with the situation.
JiYoung Kim will fill the CEO role on an interim basis, according to the email. Kim earlier this month was named chief operating officer for GroupM North America.
GroupM declined to comment. Kelly did not immediately respond to Ad Age’s request for comment.
The memo penned by Sharb Farjami, who was named CEO of the WPP media network’s North American business in January, did not outline a reason for Kelly’s exit from the CEO role. In her new position, Kelly will “stand up synergy programs and best practices, helping us better serve clients and strengthen our visibility in the market,” according to the memo.
The news comes as GroupM has been organizing under new U.S. leadership. Farjami has since hired additional executive leadership this month.