Skip to main content
16.01.2024 By Current Global.

Current Global CEO Virginia Devlin to Retire in March.

Head shot of CEO Virginia Devlin. She has shoulder length blonde hair, blue eyes and is wearing a blue top, has is sat in front of a brightly patterned wall.

Devlin Launched the IPG Firm in 2006, Growing It into a Global Midsize Agency.

Chicago, IL (Jan. 16, 2024) Current Global, part of the Weber Shandwick Collective and Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG), today announced that  Virginia Devlin is stepping down as the agency’s CEO, retiring in March. Devlin spent over 26 years with IPG, the last 18 years helming Current Global.

From its infancy as a US-based lifestyle marketing agency to its presence today as a global midsize agency spanning North America, LATAM, EMEA, APAC and MENAT, her vision and leadership guided significant growth over the years by attracting top talent, establishing long-term client partnerships, and delivering impactful, innovative, and award-winning work.

“As a longtime colleague and collaborator with Virginia, I am continually impressed by what she’s built at Current Global – taking the agency from a germ of an idea 18 years ago to the powerhouse it is today,” said Susan Howe, President, The Weber Shandwick Collective. “Our team is so grateful for her many contributions and will miss her. In the meantime, we are excited for Current Global’s next chapter as the agency continues to evolve and expand.”

With Devlin as its driving force, Current Global launched Accessible by Design, an industry-first commitment to ensure that all communication meet the highest accessibility standards to be inclusive of people with sight, hearing, and cognitive disabilities. Fast Company named it a world changing idea in 2021, a first such accolade for a PR agency. A frequent speaker on accessible communications, Devlin has helped educate the industry on the importance of disability inclusion in marketing.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished over the last 18 years at Current Global, building one of the most respected and award-winning midsize agencies in the world,” Devlin said. “With brilliant and passionate colleagues, we have created an inclusive agency that champions diverse people, perspectives, and experiences, which propels innovative and impactful work designed to enhance our clients’ reputations and solve their business challenges.”

Her recognition includes PRWeek Outstanding Agency Professional finalist (2023); PRSA Chicago Professional of the Year (2022); PRWeek Most Purposeful Agency Professional finalist (2022); PRWeek Hall of Femme/Women of Distinction inductee (2021); Women in Marketing Change Maker Award – Agency (2021); and Gold Stevie Award for Most Innovative Woman of the Year (2020).

Prior to Current Global, Devlin spent 9 years at IPG agency Weber Shandwick, with additional tenures at Selz Seabolt and EvansGroup Public Relations (both now integrated into the Publicis Dialog network). Active in the industry, she currently serves as a trustee of the Institute for Public Relations and is a member of the Arthur W. Page Society and the Economic Club of Chicago. Devlin has also served on the board of PRSA Chicago and the PR Council, helping launch the organization’s SHEQUALITY initiative.

###

Current Global, a member of the Interpublic Group of agencies (NYSE: IPG), is a midsized global agency offering a comprehensive suite of services. As the human-first communications agency, we help our clients earn attention and connection by sparking movements, shifting mindsets, and creating moments that matter. With a foundation in earned media, we also excel in developing integrated campaigns that encompass paid, owned, influence, and social to connect with audiences wherever they experience a brand. Our dedicated, insightful, and creative people are at the forefront of advocating for accessible communications for all. For more information, visit www.currentglobal.com, and discover our Accessible by Design commitment at accessible-communications.com.

Recent articles

A woman stands confidently outdoors in a modern space with lush greenery and large wooden beams overhead. She wears a black button-down dress with a beige belt and black boots, accessorized with gold hoop earrings and layered necklaces. Her long, wavy hair falls over her shoulders as she gazes to the side with a poised expression. The setting features a sleek, wet stone floor and tall ferns, creating a serene, contemporary atmosphere.
08.11.2024
How We Are Authentically Walking the DEI Talk - and How You Can Too.
Read now
The rear view of a young couple walking through the streets of a European town. The woman on the left wears red shorts, the man on the right wears a hat and small backpack.
18.10.2024
Think Global, Act Local: Landing Successful International Media Campaigns.
Read now
Ball of orange and yellow paper, that transforms into a blue and green paper boat, that transforms into a blue and purple swan, that transforms into a purple and red flying bird.
18.09.2024
B2Brilliant: Creativity is for Everyone.
Read now

Let's talk.

We thrive on solving the toughest business and brand challenges. We’d love to discuss how we can help you ignite your spark.

hello@currentglobal.com