Katie Lee to Lead Starcom UK as CEO
Publicis Groupe strengthens its leadership bench as Katie Lee moves from WPP media agency Wavemaker to helm Starcom UK
Publicis Groupe has appointed Katie Lee as Chief Executive Officer of Starcom UK, marking another high-profile move in the reshaping of its agency leadership. Lee joins from GroupM agency Wavemaker, where she served as Chief Operating Officer.
A well-known figure in the UK advertising and media industry, Lee brings a rare blend of commercial, operational and creative leadership experience to Starcom. Prior to Wavemaker, she held senior roles at Omnicom’s BBD Perfect Storm and Sunshine, as well as at VCCP and Leo Burnett. She originally began her career in publishing at the Daily Telegraph, before transitioning into creative and media agency leadership.
Katie Lee as Chief Executive Officer of Starcom UK
Lee replaces Nadine Young, who stepped down from Starcom earlier this year. Her appointment is the latest in a series of leadership moves within Publicis Groupe UK, which recently brought in Jo Arden as CEO of Publicis.Poke and promoted Rick Hirst to a new group-level position.
“Katie has a track record of building strong teams and delivering impact for clients. Her breadth of experience across creative, media and digital will be a real asset to Starcom as we continue to evolve the business.”
Annette King, CEO of Publicis Groupe UK
Starcom is one of Publicis Groupe’s core global media agency brands, working with clients such as Samsung, P&G, Visa, and Kellogg’s. The UK market is seen as a strategically important territory within Publicis’ Power of One model, which integrates creative, media, data and technology services.
Lee’s remit will include client growth, agency positioning, talent development, and evolving Starcom’s proposition to meet shifting client needs. With increasing demand for integrated services and accountable media performance, the role is both commercially critical and culturally visible.
“I’ve always believed in the power of media to shape culture and drive business growth. Starcom has a great reputation and I’m excited to help take it forward with the team.”
Katie Lee, CEO Starcom UK
She will report directly to King and is expected to start in the coming months. The announcement comes at a time of increasing movement among leadership positions across the holding groups, reflecting broader shifts in agency models and client expectations.
