McCann Worldgroup Announces Leadership Changes in Germany

McCann Worldgroup announced a change in German leadership today, naming Jan-Philipp Jahn, CEO McCann, Germany and Ulrich Saeuberlich the new CEO of MRM Germany. This follows the news that Ruber Iglesias, currently CEO, McCann Worldgroup Germany, will be leaving later this Spring, following his almost 20-year career with the network, including almost 10 years as CEO, Worldgroup Germany.

Commenting on Iglesias’ departure Mark Lund, president McCann, Worldgroup UK & Europe said: “During Ruber’s time the agency has built a great record of growth and recognition with its clients and the industry. We’ll miss him as a colleague and a friend and thank him for his assistance in this transition as he moves into the next chapter of an already storied career.”

Under Ruber’s leadership McCann Worldgroup has doubled in size over the past four years – now with a total of approximately 500 employees and three offices in Germany. In 2021, with the addition of CCO Götz Ulmer, the agency group has risen up creative rankings and won a raft of awards at top creative festivals in Cannes, Clio, New York Festivals and LIA.

Ruber said: "I’ve been in the agency business for almost 30 years and been thinking about doing something else for a while. However, we’ve experienced such positive momentum and growth recently, I stayed longer than I expected. But now I want to take on a new professional challenge after some time off, it is time for me and also for the agency to focus on a new future. I wish McCann Worldgroup and the fantastic team there continued success. I am leaving with a great feeling of accomplishment and know that the future of McCann Worldgroup is in good hands.”

Said Mark: “Since McCann Worldgroup’s inception 25 years ago our approach has always been to offer both best-in-class expertise through each agency and best-in-class integrated solutions to meet our clients’ needs. This dynamic succession will help us build on Germany’s role as one of our key markets – with that best-in-class expertise across our agencies, leading with great clients and capabilities including our CRAFT studios and data-driven marketing.”

Jan-Philipp, most recently director, continental EUROPE at Grey Group & CEO Grey Germany, joins the agency to lead key market Germany and to build on the extensive business and creative successes of McCann in Germany. With over 18 years of leadership roles at Springer&Jacoby, BBDO, SERVICEPLAN and almost three years in Grey Germany/ EUROPE, he brings a track record of expertise working with brands such as BMW, SMART, VOLVO, CONTINENTAL Tires, MICHELIN, EUROPCAR, DZ BANK, LIDL, GROHE and WESTLOTTO. He spent eight years in the Middle East and China, where he built up and managed MD SERVICEPLAN’s international agencies. Jan-Philipp is a board member of the GWA Germany, responsible for the agencies in Hamburg and the north, as well as talent and the YOUNG BOARD.

Commenting on Jan-Philipp’s appointment, Chris Macdonald, chairman & CEO, McCann, said: “We’re excited to welcome Jan-Philipp Jahn to McCann.  We have a long history in Germany and it is an incredibly important strategic market for us. It is critical that we keep attracting the best talent in each of our core markets and Jan-Philipp has an exceptional track record as an entrepreneur, in building strong client relationships and growing businesses.”

Commenting on his new role, Jan-Philipp said: “Joining McCann Germany is a great next step for me personally. I take off my hat and have respect for the current achievements of Ruber and his team. The priority for me is to enhance our offer even more and create strong integrated work for our clients, increase the relevance of McCann in the market and be attractive for current employees and new talent. Diversity, respect, integration and modern leadership are the key words for my future role. I am super excited.”

With 15 years of experience in brand management, digital marketing and transformation living for many years in Buenos Aires, New York and Shanghai, Ulrich Saeuberlich was most recently managing director at AKQA Germany in Berlin for five years. He successfully advised national and international companies on digital transformation and business processes.

Kate MacNevin, global chairwoman & CEO, MRM, says: "MRM has distinguished itself in Germany as an agency focused on digital transformation for our clients. With Ulrich’s proven track record of success on both the brand and agency side, I am confident that he will lead our team and clients to new levels of success."

"I am very excited to soon be part of MRM at such a critical time for many clients. MRM Germany is already a very successful company with a great team and outstanding projects. Our goal will be to align our offering even more consistently with our clients’ needs. Always focused on the creativity of our work and the measurable business success for our customers," said Ulrich.

These moves follow a year of industry recognition for the network in Europe. Regionally the network was named Campaign Magazine’s EMEA Creative Network of the Year for the 3rd consecutive year; The Effie Awards’ #1 Most Effective Agency Network in Europe for the 5th consecutive year and was awarded a host of Cannes Lions including a Grand Prix in 2020, won in partnership with clients such as Microsoft, Mastercard, Aldi, Reckitt and L’Oréal.