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WPP’s Mark Read to Depart as CEO at End of 2025

Shares have tumbled more than 30% this year as the board launches a search for his replacement

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Overview

  • Mark Read, who has spent 30 years at WPP including seven as CEO, will step down on December 31, 2025, and the board has begun the search for his successor.
  • The FTSE 100-listed group’s shares have tumbled more than 30% this year following a 1% drop in like-for-like net revenue during 2024.
  • WPP lost its status as the world’s biggest advertising firm last year after significant client defections in the UK, US and China.
  • Board chair Philip Jansen praised Read for transforming WPP into a modern marketing leader by deepening the company’s AI, data and technology capabilities.
  • The company has committed £300 million to its AI-powered WPP Open platform and is tapping its GroupM media division to bolster future growth.