Key Points on WPP's Freshly Appointed CEO Cindy Rose
In a groundbreaking move, Cindy Rose has been appointed as the new CEO of WPP, effective September 2025. The British-American executive, who holds dual citizenship, will spearhead the transformation of the global advertising and communications giant, aiming to reposition WPP as a forward-thinking, tech-savvy leader in the industry.
Rose, who brings over three decades of experience in the media, telecoms, and tech sectors, has spent the last five years at Microsoft as COO for global enterprise. In this role, she has overseen digital transformation projects for large corporations and played a significant part in rolling out Microsoft's AI tools across various sectors.
With her appointment, WPP aims to modernize its operations and improve competitiveness, particularly in North America, where the company has underperformed. Rose's extensive background in technology and AI-led business transformation will be instrumental in modernizing WPP's services and capabilities.
The new CEO's strategic focus is on driving innovation and market leadership. She plans to leverage digital technology and AI to create an AI-centric creative powerhouse, addressing current market pressures through operational modernization, client-focused technological integration, and strategic innovation.
WPP has faced significant challenges in recent years, including a rebrand, significant client losses, and sluggish new business. The company generates 40% of its revenues from the U.S., where it has been underperforming. Rose's appointment marks a history-making moment for WPP, as she becomes the first woman to lead a major ad holding company.
Rose will be based in both London and New York, reflecting a strategic focus on revitalizing WPP's performance globally, with a particular emphasis on the key North American market. In her statement announcing her appointment, Rose expressed excitement about writing WPP's next chapter and working with its talented employees.
Mark Read, WPP's previous CEO, is stepping down after seven years in the role. During his tenure, he mentioned the possibility of switching WPP's primary listing to New York. Rose's arrival comes after Wendy Clark, who was the first woman to lead a major agency network when she was appointed global CEO of Dentsu International in 2020. However, none of the Big Six holding companies (Omnicom, Publicis Groupe, IPG, Dentsu, Havas) have ever hired a woman as CEO at a group level.
Rose began her career as a corporate lawyer and trained as a U.K. solicitor at Allen & Overy. Before joining Microsoft in 2016, she ran Vodafone U.K.'s consumer business. In 2019, she received an Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Queen Elizabeth II for her services to U.K. tech.
WPP issued a shock profit warning on July 9, signalling the urgency for change. With Rose at the helm, the company is poised to embrace a technology and AI-driven transformation strategy, aiming to reclaim its leadership and navigate the future as an AI-centric company.
Rose's extensive experience in technology and her successful track record of business transformation will be essential for WPP's financial growth as she aims to modernize WPP's operations and services, positioning the company as a forward-thinking, tech-savvy leader in the advertising and communications industry.
Rose's strategic focus on innovation and market leadership, with a plan to create an AI-centric creative powerhouse, will help WPP address current market pressures, secure a strong position in North America, and improve competitiveness, ultimately driving financial success.
