Case Study: J. Walter Thompson achieves a global learning culture and higher employee engagement with LinkedIn Learning

JWT Wanted to Rebrand its Culture. Their First Move? Learning

J. Walter Thompson (JWT), a 150‑year‑old global marketing agency, faced a Talent/HR challenge: employees felt more connected to local offices and clients than to the global network, making a unified employer brand difficult. To address this, JWT hired its first Chief Talent Officer, Laura Agostini, and prioritized learning as a way to create shared value and a cohesive culture.

JWT expanded use of Lynda.com (LinkedIn Learning) by building a company-wide Digital Marketing Learning Path and assigning it to 12,000 license holders, launching a global Talent Month and scaling a regional “Open Book” program. Usage and engagement surged—average time on the platform increased from 7 to 28 minutes—and the initiative strengthened upskilling, fostered a learning culture, and helped position JWT as a more attractive, development-focused employer.

J. Walter Thompson

Laura Agostini

Chief Talent Officer