Future Shaper - Marie Melin

Meet Marie Melin, Our People & Culture Champion!
We recently sat down with Marie, our fantastic People & Culture Lead for WPP Media Sweden. After 20+ years rocking client-focused and management roles at EssenceMediacom, Marie made the exciting leap to her new group-level People & Culture role in April 2024. And get this – she just wrapped up her FEI Diploma in Human Resource Management! We managed to snag a few minutes of her time to chat about her journey and what makes our WPP Media family tick.

Switching from Client-Side to Culture-Side, What's Different?
Marie brings a unique perspective to her new role. "In our business, you've got to be super close to our clients," she explains. "Even in HR, understanding their challenges helps us build the right teams to serve them effectively. It's truly a people's business!"
She also highlights the power of diversity and a "learning mindset." "To thrive at WPP Media, you need to be constantly curious and ready to learn. Things change fast, so upskilling and adapting are key. I've always loved learning new things, and I hope to really continue to foster that culture here." She even joked, "Me going back to school at my age is proof of that!" And let's not forget the importance of having inspiring leaders – they're crucial for guiding the way.

Still Working towards the Same Important Goals
Marie admits the transition to HR has been a journey. "My main drive used to be all about business growth and financial contribution," she says. "That's shifted, but I still believe I can add huge value by knowing exactly what our people need to succeed and by that still contribute to business growth. The shift has been rewarding, even if my impatient side sometimes pops up!"

High Performance & Well-being. Can We Have Both?
WPP Media is known for its creativity and fast pace. So, how do we balance high performance with happy people? "It all comes down to great leadership and a sense of belonging," Marie emphasizes. "Managers who are inclusive and celebrate wins and achievements make all the difference. Everyone should feel seen and understand how they contribute to our clients' success. It's not just what you do, but how you feel doing it."
She also points to some really great initiatives already in place, like reduced working hours, bridge and half days in conjunction with public holidays, flexible working hours etc. "These really help our teams facilitate work/life balance. We also have Mental Health Allies, which I personally believe is a very valuable program introduced by our global leadership a few years ago”, she adds.

Keeping Our Talent. More Than Just a Paycheck
In our competitive industry, attracting and keeping top talent is vital. "Attractive compensation and benefits are a given," Marie states, "but we also need to offer truly rewarding work and opportunities to grow."
Drawing on her own experience, she emphasizes collaboration. "Promoting cross-team interaction, sharing knowledge, and learning from each other is central. We need to focus on career development and give our people the tools, training, and opportunities they need to thrive in this constantly changing industry."

What in our WPP Media Vibe Makes Us Special?
Marie sees "openness" as a core strength. "That means being inclusive, fair, and giving everyone the chance to reach their full potential," she explains. "We also have a fantastic 'can-do' attitude – people are optimistic, curious, and eager to learn. Sharing is definitely one of my favorite parts of our culture!"
Where can we grow? "Our culture is something we all co-create," Marie reminds us. "Now that we're WPP Media one company, we need to build even stronger bonds across teams, no matter which agency you came from. We can always get better at giving and receiving feedback, and definitely celebrate our achievements, small or big, more often! People love to be seen and appreciated."

HR as a Central Player and Building Trust
How does Marie build trust with leaders and employees? "By knowing my stuff and being a true partner to our senior leadership team," she says confidently. "I want to show everyone in our company that HR isn't just a 'side function' anymore; it's central to our success. After 20+ years, I know that skilled and engaged people are key to happy and satisfied clients, which in turn helps us all grow and succeed."
Thanks, Marie, for sharing your insights and passion! We're excited to see the positive impact you'll continue to make at WPP Media.