Kirk McDonald: Knocking Down Diversity Obstacles at GroupM - Watch on Demand
Recognized by Adweek as one of the "50 vital leaders in tech, media and marketing," and the overseer of $17.6 billion in North American media investment billings, GroupM CEO Kirk McDonald is a powerful force and influencer. The core question he confronts in our engaging and somewhat surprising Legends & Leaders conversation is how influential he can be in his mission to address long-standing inertia in advancing industry diversity.
One obstacle he quickly addressed was GroupM's college education requirement, a standard he ironically did not meet when he joined GroupM more than two years ago. Dropping out of City College of New York to accept a starting level research job at Conde Nast 30 years ago, Kirk "finally got the degree his mother wanted him to have" when he completed remaining course requirements earlier this year. Today, GroupM no longer requires a college degree and has seen immediate increases in diversity.
The industry reality, Kirk comments, "was and remains that there is not nearly as much diversity as there should be, especially when you consider our narratives. Our stories are about the ways our culture is shifting and shaping the future and how brands are playing a part in that." Kirk takes the opportunity of GroupM's and his induction into the Advancing Diversity Hall of Honors during Advancing Diversity Week October 17-20 to spell out solutions to the many DEI challenges that continue to confront the advertising community. The recognition from AdvancingDiversity.org acknowledges the $50 million GroupM commitment to GroupM University and the new Launch Pad program. To learn more about GroupM's solutions and Kirk's plan to transform by example, view his Legends & Leaders conversation above.
The media and advertising communities are hosting Black Talent Outreach Week October 17-20, live streamed at MediaVillage.com and AdvancingDiversity.org. Promote it to your teams and support the campaign with your recruitment initiative. Visitweek.advancingdiversity.orgfor more information.
Originally published October 3, 2022.
Jack Myers
Media Ecologist, Founder: MediaVillage and Advancing Diversity Hall of Honors Jack Myers is a media ecologist and founder of MediaVillage, the media and advertising community’s leading resource for market intelligence, education, business connection…
