Gemma Spence

Global Vice President Commerce Transformation

Gemma Spence, an intrapreneur and innovator within eCommerce, epitomises visionary leadership. She has defied stereotypes as a neurodivergent leader who encourages diverse perspectives as a catalyst for creativity and innovation.

No stranger to building from the ground-up, Gemma became Omnicom Media Group's youngest CEO and Founder of Transact, its award-winning Ecommerce Advisory, in 2017. Scaling it across 25 markets, she built a multimillion-dollar 30+ client portfolio with 130+ consultants, and pioneered a ground-breaking investment planning methodology that harmonized trade, brand, media, and shopper budgets. Today, Gemma is VMLY&R’s Global VP, Commerce Transformation, and WPP’s Global Commerce Lead for Colgate-Palmolive guiding 100+ commerce experts to drive $3b+ in digital commerce revenue. She is responsible for aligning People, Products, M&A and Partnerships. The result - a global network of 1800 experts delivering solutions across eCommerce, Retail Media, Amazon/Marketplaces, DTC, and Digital Shelf as a new capability, Commerce-as-a-Service (CaaS). Launched in 2022, CaaS has pioneered strategic services/tools augmented by AI to enable standout digital availability and brand growth. She’s catalyzed one of the fastest growing capabilities (250% growth) with 30+ clients/15+ markets and multimillion-dollar mandates. Gemma places immense value on inclusivity and openness to foster a winning mentality. She is a magnet for top talent and advocate for future female leaders worldwide seen in roles as Christian Aid trustee, co-founder of Oxford University Project 50/50 (seeking representation in the EMBA program), Mentor, and founding member of Chief UK. Honors include: CIO Magazine Women List 2021, Management Today 35under35 2022, Aviva WoF 2023 runner-up.