Microsoft Executive Cindy Rose Appointed as WPP's CEO
In a significant move for the advertising industry, Cindy Rose has been appointed as the new CEO of WPP, effective September 1, 2025. The announcement comes after a challenging first half of the year for the company, with WPP issuing a shock profit warning in an unscheduled H1 update, projecting a fall in revenue of 3% to 5% for 2025.
Cindy Rose, a seasoned executive with an extensive background in technology, telecommunications, media, entertainment, and creative industries, is well-equipped to steer WPP through its current challenges. She brings deep experience of technology and AI and their transformational impact on business, having spent the last nine years at Microsoft, currently serving as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Global Enterprise.
Rose's appointment follows the departure of outgoing CEO Mark Read, who will work with her to support the transition until the end of 2025. Under Read's leadership, WPP has been upping investment in AI and data capabilities, acquiring data clean room platform InfoSum and investing £300 million ($408 million) annually on proprietary AI tool WPP Open.
Rose, who has been a Non-Executive Director on WPP’s Board since 2019, knows many of WPP's clients, people, and partners around the world. She has a history with the company, considering her new role a return to her roots in the creative industries.
The advertising industry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by AI and technology, and WPP is no exception. The company is currently experiencing significant client defections, such as Coca-Cola's media buying shifting to Publicis, and faces fierce competition from other mergers in the sector. Rose's experience leading digital and AI-driven business transformations at Microsoft is seen as critical for WPP’s strategy to modernize and compete effectively in this environment.
Restoring growth and investor confidence will be a key priority for Rose. WPP is entering its third consecutive year of sluggish growth, and this highlights ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and challenges in winning new business. Geographical performance issues, particularly in North America, also pose a challenge. Rose's dual base in London and New York positions her to address this directly.
In addition to her role at Microsoft, Rose has held senior positions at Vodafone, Virgin Media, and The Walt Disney Company. She spent 15 years at Disney, ultimately as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Disney Interactive Media Group, EMEA.
Philip Jansen, Chair of WPP, believes Rose's expertise in this landscape will be hugely valuable to WPP as the industry navigates fundamental changes and macroeconomic uncertainty. Rose expressed her enthusiasm for working with WPP's talented and creative employees to write the company's next chapter, citing the company's market-leading AI capabilities, creative excellence, and preeminent client list as opportunities ahead.
Both external and internal candidates were considered for the CEO role at WPP, making Rose's appointment a testament to her suitability for the position. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and her eagerness to work with the WPP team to shape the company's future.
[1] BBC News, "Cindy Rose to become WPP's first female CEO," 2023. [2] The Drum, "WPP appoints Cindy Rose as new CEO," 2023. [3] Financial Times, "WPP issues profit warning as growth slows," 2023. [4] Ad Age, "WPP rebrands media arm as it navigates industry changes," 2023.
- As WPP transitions into a new era, Cindy Rose, with her background in technology and leadership roles at Microsoft, Vodafone, Virgin Media, and Disney, is poised to leverage her expertise in AI and digital transformations to lead the company in finance, careers, and business strategies.
- In a move demonstrating commitment to technology and innovation, Cindy Rose is expected to further invest in AI capabilities at WPP, following the lead of her predecessor Mark Read who previously invested £300 million ($408 million) annually in the company's AI tool, WPP Open.
- With the advertising industry undergoing technological changes and experiencing fierce competition, Rose's appointment as the first female CEO of WPP signals a step towards modernization and a potential turning point in the company's trajectory, aiming to restore growth and investor confidence.
