WPP Appoints Microsoft Executive

WPP has appointed Cindy Rose, Microsoft's Chief Operating Officer for Global Enterprise, as its new CEO, effective September 1. Rose succeeds Mark Read, who will assist with the transition. This move signals a strategic shift towards prioritising AI and data-driven solutions within the advertising giant.

Rose's background includes senior roles at Vodafone, Virgin Media, and Disney, with nine years at Microsoft, where she focused on AI and digital transformation for major companies. Her experience aligns with WPP's ambition to become an 'AI-driven platform business'. WPP aims to leverage AI to enhance efficiency and client value, investing £300 million annually in tools like WPP Open, which integrates generative AI.

This appointment comes as WPP faces revenue declines and client losses, requiring a reorientation of its agency network. Rose has been a non-executive director on WPP's board since 2019 and is expected to use her expertise to navigate the fundamental changes and macroeconomic uncertainty facing the industry.