Kerr, 65, is the former chief executive of Meredith, a publisher that owns a magazine and books, radio and TV stations. Before joining the company in 1991, he was the vice-president at The New York Times and the president of its magazine group.
"Media is a key component of the marketing we develop for clients," the IPG chief executive, Michael Roth, said. "Bill's understanding of the media landscape will bring important perspective to our board."