WPP Names Cindy Rose as New CEO Amid Stock Plunge: Analysts Predict 26.11% Upside and 60.29% Long-Term Growth

WPP has appointed Cindy Rose as its new CEO, amid a challenging period with stocks at a 16-year low. Analysts predict a 26.11% upside for WPP with an average target price of $37.00, while GuruFocus estimates suggest a 60.29% long-term upside based on GF Value metrics.

WPP Plc has appointed Cindy Rose as its new CEO, effective September 1, 2025. This appointment comes amidst a challenging period for the advertising and marketing services company, with its stock trading near a 16-year low. Rose, a senior executive at Microsoft, brings extensive experience in government policy on AI and mental health advocacy to the role [2].

Rose’s appointment follows the departure of outgoing CEO Mark Read and the company’s recent profit downgrade. Analysts have predicted a 26.11% upside for WPP, with an average target price of $37.00, while GuruFocus estimates suggest a 60.29% long-term upside based on GF Value metrics [3, 4].

The company has faced significant challenges, with revised forecasts indicating a decline in like-for-like net sales by 3% to 5% for 2025, a substantial downward revision from its previous forecast of flat to -2% growth. Additionally, WPP projects a compression of its headline operating margin by 50 to 175 basis points, diverging from its earlier guidance of remaining "around flat" [3].

Analysts have expressed concern about the timing of Rose’s appointment, scheduled for the end of 2025, which they describe as a "dual crisis of performance and leadership" [3]. Despite these challenges, WPP maintains a strong dividend profile, with a current yield of 9.14% and a 33-year track record of consecutive dividend payments.

Rose’s background includes experience as a lawyer and her advocacy for mental health in the workplace, which she brought to her role at Microsoft. Her appointment signals a shift in leadership for WPP, aiming to navigate the company through its current challenges and position it for future growth.

References:
[1] https://adage.com/agencies/wpp-ceo-cindy-rose-5-things/
[2] https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/wpp-names-microsoft-exec-cindy-rose-new-ceo-2025-07-10/
[3] https://www.investing.com/news/analyst-ratings/cfra-downgrades-wpp-stock-cites-vulnerability-amid-guidance-cut-93CH-4128765
[4] https://za.investing.com/news/analyst-ratings/morgan-stanley-lowers-wpp-stock-price-target-to-gbp575-on-profit-warning-93CH-3783809