WPP Names Cindy Rose as New CEO to Lead Recovery

Cindy Rose, a senior Microsoft executive, has been named WPP's new CEO. She has been a non-executive director on WPP's board since 2019 and has over 20 years of experience in the tech industry, including senior leadership roles at Microsoft, Vodafone, Virgin Media, and Disney. Rose will succeed Mark Read on September 1 and will lead WPP's recovery.

WPP plc (LSE/NYSE: WPP) has appointed Cindy Rose as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective September 1, 2025. Rose will succeed Mark Read, who will step down from the position on the same date. Mark will continue to work with Cindy until the end of the year to support the transition [1].

Cindy Rose brings extensive experience in the technology, telecommunications, media, entertainment, and creative industries. She has held senior leadership positions at Microsoft, Vodafone, Virgin Media, and The Walt Disney Company. Most recently, she served as the Chief Operating Officer, Global Enterprise at Microsoft, where she has been instrumental in driving digital transformation and AI adoption for large enterprises [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 client relationships. She holds both American and British citizenship and will be based in both London and New York [1].

Philip Jansen, Chair of WPP, praised Rose's appointment, highlighting her experience in leading large-scale businesses and her expertise in digital transformation and AI. Jansen noted that Rose's appointment follows a thorough selection process that considered both internal and external candidates [1].

Rose expressed her excitement about the opportunity to lead WPP, emphasizing the company's strong AI capabilities, creative excellence, and talented workforce. She looks forward to writing the company's next chapter and ensuring a smooth handover from Mark Read [1].

Mark Read, the outgoing CEO, also expressed his support for Rose's appointment, noting her deep experience in technology and AI and her successful track record in running global organizations [1].

WPP's recent financial performance has been challenging, with a downgrade in its full-year guidance for like-for-like revenues less passthrough costs to between -3 percent and -5 percent. Rose will face the task of steadying the company's ship amidst macroeconomic uncertainty and client losses [3].

References:
[1] https://www.wpp.com/en-us/news/2025/07/chief-executive-officer-appointment
[2] https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/wpp-names-microsoft-exec-cindy-rose-new-ceo-2025-07-10/
[3] https://videoweek.com/2025/07/10/wpp-appoints-microsofts-cindy-rose-as-new-ceo/