WPP Appoints Chris Preuss to Lead Team Ford Public Affairs

Preuss to Bring Wealth of Experience and Leadership to WPP’s Blended Public Affairs Team

WPP has appointed Chris Preuss to the position of Executive Vice President, Global Public Affairs and Marketing Communications, effective 1 April. Mr Preuss, a 25-year communications veteran, will lead the integrated, multi-agency team that works in close collaboration with Ford Communications, led by Mark Truby.

“Chris brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the agency’s blended, public affairs team. We are very excited to have him back,” said Mark Truby, Vice President, Communications.

Preuss was most recently the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Aptiv (formerly Delphi Automotive), a position he has held since 2014. Prior to joining Delphi, Preuss was head of communications for the Americas and Global Product at Ford Motor Company, so he knows the blue oval well.

Preuss’ career also includes more than a decade of experience at General Motors, where he held various leadership roles, including President and CEO of OnStar, GM’s in-vehicle safety and security unit.

“Chris is a strategic and experienced communications pro. From product to public affairs, his acumen strengthens an already talented team,” said Satish Korde, Chief Executive Officer of the agency’s GTB.

Preuss takes the reins from Gary Koops, who has, until now, served as the team’s lead and played an indispensable role supporting Ford since 2007. Koops, who is also the global media practice chair for the newly merged Burson Cohn & Wolfe, will stay on as a key member of the team.

“We are thrilled Gary will continue his great work on the Ford business in addition to his unparalleled, ongoing counselling for our top clients. He is one of the most respected professionals in the entire public relations world, so the team has only gotten stronger with Gary now working alongside Chris,” said Don Baer, chairman of Burson Cohn & Wolfe.

Preuss will report directly to Satish Korde and be headquartered at GTB’s offices in Dearborn, Michigan.