WPP Names Cindy Rose as New CEO, Effective September 1.

WPP plc has appointed Cindy Rose as its new CEO, effective September 1. She will succeed Mark Read, who will resign on the same date. Rose previously served as Microsoft's Chief Operating Officer of Global Enterprise for nine years. Analysts forecast an average target price of $37.00 for WPP PLC, with a high estimate of $37.00 and a low estimate of $37.00. The estimated GF Value for WPP PLC in one year is $47.03, suggesting a potential upside of 60.29%.

WPP plc (WPP) has appointed Cindy Rose as its new CEO, effective September 1. Rose will succeed Mark Read, who will resign on the same date. The appointment comes amidst a challenging economic landscape for the advertising industry.

Rose brings extensive experience in the technology, telecommunications, media, entertainment, and creative sectors. She has spent the last nine years in senior leadership positions at Microsoft, where she is currently Chief Operating Officer of Global Enterprise. Before joining Microsoft, Rose held various roles, including President of Microsoft Western Europe, CEO of Microsoft UK, Managing Director of the UK consumer business at Vodafone, and Executive Director of Digital Entertainment and Media Sales at Virgin Media. She also spent 15 years at The Walt Disney Co. [1]

Rose has been a Non-Executive Director on the WPP Board since 2019, providing her with valuable insights into the company's operations and strategic direction. Her appointment follows a thorough selection process that considered both internal and external candidates.

Philip Jansen, Chair of WPP, praised Rose's experience in building enduring client relationships and delivering growth in enterprise and consumer environments. He noted that her expertise in digital transformation, including the use of AI, will be valuable as the industry navigates fundamental changes and macroeconomic uncertainty [1].

Analysts forecast an average target price of $37.00 for WPP PLC, with a high estimate of $37.00 and a low estimate of $37.00. The estimated GF Value for WPP PLC in one year is $47.03, suggesting a potential upside of 60.29% [3].

The appointment of Rose comes at a critical time for WPP, which has been facing challenges due to a weakened influx of new business and ongoing macroeconomic pressures. The company recently issued a profit warning, citing cautious clients spending less and being less keen on pitches. Rose's tech background and experience in digital transformation are seen as assets for the role [2].

Rose's appointment was a surprise to many observers, but insiders are hopeful that her leadership will help steady the ship after a rocky period. Her ability to navigate the PR highs and lows of running a large public company, coupled with her expertise in AI and digital transformation, positions her well to lead WPP through the current challenges [2].

References:
[1] https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/wpp-appoints-microsofts-cindy-rose-ceo-succeed-mark-read-effective-sept-1
[2] https://www.businessinsider.com/wpp-ceo-cindy-rose-microsoft-lawyer-ad-agency-2025-7
[3] https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2966511/wpp-wpp-shares-plummet-16-after-forecast-cut