WPP has named Elav Horwitz as its first Chief Innovation Officer, a newly established executive role designed to accelerate the company’s leadership in applied AI and advance the development of technology-powered solutions for clients across the globe.
In this position, Horwitz will spearhead the integration of WPP’s extensive network of technology partners with the company’s creative and strategic teams. Her mandate centers on cultivating a more collaborative, fast-moving innovation culture, one that deepens WPP’s capabilities in applied AI and supports clients through transformative shifts in commerce, content, and culture. She will continue to report directly to WPP’s Chief Technology Officer, Stephan Pretorius.
“Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at WPP, and Elav’s promotion to Chief Innovation Officer together with the world-class team she is assembling underscores our commitment to actively shape the future of our industry,” said Stephan Pretorius, Chief Technology Officer, WPP. “She will be instrumental in ensuring our company remains at the center of technology-driven innovation, translating the power of applied AI into concrete solutions that drive material business impact for our clients.”
Recognised as a prominent advocate for responsible technology and creative innovation, Elav also advises the Spotify and Meta Creative Councils and is a founding member of the leadership network Chief.
Her appointment reinforces WPP’s ongoing commitment to deepening its expertise in technology and data. It comes on the heels of several strategic additions aimed at strengthening the company’s innovation bench, including Daniel Barak as WPP’s first Global Creative and Innovation Lead, Sarah Salter as VP of Global Partnerships & AI Innovation, and Mathieu Albrand as Director of AI Strategy and Innovation.
“Never before has the need for innovation and agility been more critical than in our AI era,” said Elav Horwitz, Chief Innovation Officer, WPP. “We must show our teams, clients and the entire industry what’s possible by uniting the best talents, capabilities, partners and a forward-thinking mindset, enabling us to deliver results in a matter of hours and make the future both tangible and democratised.”
