Cindy Rose Appointed CEO of WPP to Drive AI and Digital Transformation

WPP, a leading global marketing services company, has announced the appointment of Cindy Rose as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective September 1, 2025. Rose, who previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer for Global Enterprise at Microsoft, is set to lead the firm through a comprehensive restructuring aimed at revitalizing its market presence and share price, which has plummeted by two-thirds during the tenure of her predecessor, Mark Read.

The decision to appoint Rose comes at a critical time for WPP, which has faced significant challenges, particularly due to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that are transforming the advertising landscape. Under Read's leadership, the company's stock fell to a 16-year low, exacerbated by a series of client losses to competitors like Publicis, which recently claimed several high-profile accounts, including Coca-Cola's media operations in North America and Mars’ global media planning business.

Philip Jansen, Chair of WPP, expressed confidence in Rose’s ability to navigate these tumultuous waters. "Cindy has led multibillion-dollar operations across the UK, EMEA, and globally, built enduring client relationships, and delivered growth in both enterprise and consumer environments," Jansen stated. He emphasized Rose's extensive experience in digital transformation, particularly in leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences and develop innovative business models.

Cindy Rose, a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and the United States, has been a member of WPP’s board since 2019 and has held prominent roles at Vodafone and Virgin Media, as well as spending 15 years at the Walt Disney Company. Jansen noted that the recruitment process for Rose was thorough, considering both internal and external candidates. "Cindy is an outstanding and inspirational business leader with extensive experience at some of the world’s most recognized companies," he added.

Despite efforts to streamline operations and reduce net debt during Read's tenure, WPP has struggled to keep pace with technological advancements in advertising. This delay in adapting to AI-driven solutions has resulted in substantial client losses, prompting the company to cut its revenue and profit forecasts, which caused a 19% drop in share prices shortly before the announcement of Rose’s appointment.

In her first statements as CEO, Rose highlighted the potential for WPP to capitalize on the growing demand for AI capabilities in advertising. "There are so many opportunities ahead for WPP. We continue to build market-leading AI capabilities alongside an unrivaled reputation for creative excellence and a pre-eminent client list," she remarked. Rose's background in the creative industries, she noted, feels like a return home.

As WPP embarks on this new chapter under Rose’s leadership, industry experts are monitoring the potential impact of this transition amidst an increasingly competitive advertising sector. The appointment of a leader with a strong technological background may signify a shift towards innovation and a renewed focus on digital offerings, vital for the company’s future growth and recovery in an evolving market landscape.

Looking ahead, the success of Rose’s leadership will largely depend on WPP's ability to effectively integrate AI solutions into its business model, while simultaneously regaining the trust of lost clients and attracting new business. As stakeholders await the company’s next moves, the marketing world will be keenly observing WPP's trajectory under its new CEO.