Michael Houston

Michael Houston is President of the US for WPP, the world’s leading communication, experience, commerce and technology company and home to many of the industry’s most admired and successful agency networks. Michael assumed the role in the company’s largest market in 2022 following fifteen years with WPP’s Grey Group. As President of the US, he is responsible for promoting WPP’s offering and collective capabilities, working with our agency CEOs, clients, partners and our people team to realize WPP’s global creative transformation agenda domestically. Michael is also a member of the WPP Executive Committee.

Before this role, Michael served as the Worldwide Chief Executive Officer of Grey Group for five years, a role only four people had previously held in the company’s 102-year history. Michael also held several management roles at Grey before becoming the global CEO, including Global President, Chief Operating Officer, and CEO of Grey North America.

During Michael’s leadership of North America, Grey experienced its most successful era, driving record client marketing investment whilst leading iconic, award-winning campaigns culminating in numerous industry accolades.

Michael has also held senior leadership positions at KB+P, Young & Rubicam, and WPP agency Landor & Fitch, among others. He has worked in almost every aspect of the advertising business – from strategy to business development to corporate communications - and has led accounts across several client industries, including CPG, airlines, automotive, entertainment and financial services.

Michael’s approach to leadership is driven through the lens of creativity and a belief in its ability to deliver real, lasting value for businesses. Reflective of WPP’s purpose, he believes delivering sustainable growth for clients requires total immersion into the creative process, from brief to boardroom, ensuring diverse views, products, and people who are fully empowered to deliver results.

Michael serves on the Board of Trustees for The Institute for International Education (IIE), the world's oldest organization facilitating international exchanges via education programs, research and life changing opportunities for students, scholars, and artists globally.   He also holds board positions with Concern Worldwide, Effie Worldwide and the AdCouncil.