Tracey Burnside Joins Wunderman Thompson as WPP's Global Client Lead for the Microsoft Account

Tracey Burnside has joined Wunderman Thompson as WPP’s global client lead for the Microsoft account, after 12 years at Publicis Groupe. 

She will be based on the West Coast of the US and is responsible for managing WPP’s relationship with Microsoft globally, reporting to Caroline Foster Kenny, Wunderman Thompson’s global chief client officer, and Lindsay Pattison, WPP’s chief client officer.

Burnside takes up her role this week, bringing over 25 years of experience working across numerous B2B and B2C categories for brands including adidas, H&R Block, Irvine Company, Vision Service Provider, Jack the Box, Neiman-Marcus, PetSmart, Shiseido, Sony, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Starbucks.

Her most recent role was Group Vice President, Executive Client Partner at Publicis Groupe-owned agency Razorfish. Burnside initially joined Publicis Groupe-owned agency Sapient in 2009 as Group Account Director, working her way up to VP, Executive Client Partner, responsible for the strategic and financial success of its client portfolio, and taking a key leadership role in the organization, before moving to Razorfish in 2020.

Caroline Foster Kenny, global chief client officer at Wunderman Thompson said: “Tracey’s passion for driving holistic strategies to help brands connect deeply with consumers makes her perfect for this all-important global client role. As we aim to be Microsoft’s most valued and trusted strategic business partner, Tracey’s leadership skills and experience will help get us there, leveraging the best of our network to drive business growth for this global iconic brand. We are so pleased and happy to be welcoming her to our Wunderman Thompson family.”

“I am thrilled to be joining such a highly regarded and respected organization, working with Microsoft, one of the most inspiring brands in the world. The opportunity to engage with such a talented team of individuals, and help foster innovative ideas in collaboration with Microsoft, is incredibly exciting and rewarding. I am honored to be given this opportunity,” Burnside said.

Outside of work, Burnside loves spending time with friends and family, especially her two children, and her favorite pastimes include outdoors sports and hiking, toying around with her 1963 Bambi Airstream, travel, and escaping into decorating and creativity.