Dominic Grainger

Chief Executive Officer, WPP Specialist Communications | Chief Executive Officer, WPP Sports Practice

Dominic Grainger is a prominent figure in the communications and media industry, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of WPP Specialist Communications and WPP Sports Practice. His extensive career spans several key roles within the WPP Group, a global leader in advertising and marketing services.

Career Overview

Current Positions:
- CEO, WPP Specialist Communications: Grainger oversees specialist communications strategies within WPP, focusing on integrating innovative marketing solutions.
- CEO, WPP Sports Practice: In this role, he leads initiatives that connect brands with sports audiences, leveraging his expertise to enhance brand engagement in the sports sector.
Previous Roles:
- Grainger has held various leadership positions, including CEO of GroupM EMEA and CEO of MEC Europe, Middle East & Africa. He has also served as Chairman of the European Association of Communications Agencies (EACA) from 2016 to 2018, where he focused on enhancing the industry's digital capabilities and addressing regulatory challenges in commercial communications.1 2
Early Career:
- He began his career at Price Waterhouse in 1987, where he advised major corporations on mergers and acquisitions. Grainger transitioned into the media sector in 1997 with CIA, which was later acquired by WPP.1 2

Education

Dominic Grainger holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Durham, where he studied a joint honors program in French and German.2 4

Industry Contributions

Grainger is recognized for his advocacy of digital transformation in advertising and communications. He emphasizes the importance of developing digital skills within the industry to adapt to rapidly changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements. His leadership at EACA involved promoting the role of communications agencies in navigating challenges such as online ad fraud and data privacy.1 3

Professional Network

Grainger has established a robust professional network, holding board positions at various companies including SYZYGY AG and WPP Scangroup PLC. He is known for fostering collaborations that enhance the effectiveness of marketing strategies across different sectors.2

In summary, Dominic Grainger is a seasoned executive with significant influence in the global communications landscape, leveraging his extensive experience to drive innovation and address emerging challenges in the industry.