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Highlights:

  • WPP names Cindy Rose as CEO, effective 1 September 2025, replacing Mark Read
  • WPP  shares rise 2.20% to GBX 438.02 on leadership transition news
  • WPP Board member since 2019, Cindy Rose brings experience from Microsoft, Vodafone, Disney

WPP plc (LSE:WPP) announced the appointment of Cindy Rose as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 September 2025. She will succeed current CEO Mark Read, who will step down on the same date after more than three decades with the company. Read will remain involved through the end of the year to assist with a transitional handover.

Cindy Rose, who has served as a Non-Executive Director on WPP’s Board since 2019, will take over at a time of ongoing change in the advertising and media landscape. Rose currently serves as Chief Operating Officer, Global Enterprise at Microsoft, where she leads digital transformation and AI-driven initiatives for multinational clients. Her prior roles include President of Microsoft Western Europe, CEO of Microsoft UK, Managing Director at Vodafone UK, and senior leadership positions at Virgin Media and The Walt Disney Company.

Rose holds dual British and American citizenship and will be based in both London and New York. She is a graduate of Columbia University and New York Law School, and currently sits on advisory boards at Imperial College Business School and McLaren Racing. In 2019, she was awarded an OBE for her contributions to the UK technology sector.

Philip Jansen, Chair of WPP, stated that Rose’s background in managing multi-billion-dollar enterprises and experience with digital and AI-led business models will support the company’s navigation through ongoing macroeconomic and industry-wide shifts. Jansen also noted that her existing familiarity with WPP’s structure and operations from her board tenure made her a strong candidate following an internal and external selection process.

Rose commented that she looks forward to leading the company into its next phase, referencing her previous work with WPP as both a board member and client. She highlighted WPP’s existing capabilities in AI and creative services as opportunities to address emerging demands in marketing and digital media.

The leadership change follows Mark Read’s seven-year tenure as CEO, during which he led organisational restructuring and strategic initiatives. Read expressed support for Rose’s appointment, citing their close collaboration and her understanding of WPP’s people, clients, and partners.

The transition comes at a time of broad evolution in the advertising and marketing services sector, with a growing emphasis on AI, data analytics, and global account integration.

Shares of WPP were up 2.20% on 10 July 2025 to trade at GBX 438.02 per share.