Grey Elevates Conrad Persons to CEO of Grey London

Grey has announced the promotion of Conrad Persons to chief executive officer of Grey London, effective immediately. Conrad, who joined the agency as President in 2023, takes the helm at a time of significant business momentum and growth for the London studio. Additionally, Persons is now serving in an Executive Sponsorship capacity for Grey EMEA, facilitating greater cross-studio collaboration and accelerating organic growth across Grey’s European network.

Building on the success of 2024, which saw Grey outmaneuver top-tier agencies to capture highly sought-after accounts such as Tourism Ireland and the Energy Networks Association, Conrad is also focussed on ushering in a new era of creative excellence. Underscoring this commitment, he has appointed Helen Rhodes, a highly respected creative leader, as chief creative officer, joining the team in June.

Reporting directly to Laura Maness, Grey’s global CEO, Conrad has prioritised a results-driven approach that focuses on client growth, in line with Grey’s long-standing Famously Effective strapline. “Conrad is a unique blend of strategic thinker, entrepreneurial spirit, and insightful storyteller – precisely the multifaceted leader the current landscape demands,” said Laura. “Since day one he has amplified Grey London's inherent strengths: the agility of an independent agency combined with the expansive reach of a global network. Conrad’s proven ability to translate vision into tangible results is already redefining what Grey London can achieve."

“After a genuinely exciting start at Grey, I’m thrilled to step into this role,” said Conrad. “I came here for the heritage, stayed for the talent, and am constantly inspired by our unique ability to blend independent thinking with global capability. We’ve built real momentum—and I’m energised to keep pushing boundaries, growing the agency, and delivering famously effective work for our clients.”

Conrad will continue to work alongside Grey London’s Executive Leadership team – managing director Jonny Tennant-Price and chief strategy officer Tarek Sioufi.

Before joining Grey, Conrad founded and ran Mash – a boutique consultancy – for nearly a decade before selling it to WPP in 2018. He then worked as a Global Strategist for WPP - collaborating with the C-suite for some of the group’s largest clients such as Amazon, Mondelez, and Dell. He has also held senior roles at Ogilvy and Kantar, with experience spanning New York, Tokyo, and London. Earlier in his career he wrote for major publications including The New York Times and The Guardian.

With a refreshed leadership team and a renewed focus on creative bravery, Grey London is steadily reestablishing its role as a leading force in Famously Effective work. The studio recently shot with globally renowned photographer Ale Burset for “Claustrobars” for Stella Artois; used animation reminiscent of The Ren & Stimpy Show, highlighting the atrocities of British pig farming in partnership with PETA; and highlighted how one colour fits all with the Lick x MAC collab.