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 meets the highest accessibility standards including people with sight, hearing, and cognitive disabilities. Fast Company named it a world-changing idea in 2021, the 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 is 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.
About Current Global
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 encompassing 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
