WPP announces Cindy Rose as Global CEO, succeeding Mark Read

WPP has named Cindy Rose as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 September 2025. She will take over from Mark Read, who steps down after seven years in the role. Read will remain with the company until the end of the year to support the leadership transition.

Rose has held senior executive positions across the technology, media, telecommunications and creative sectors. She is currently Chief Operating Officer for Global Enterprise at Microsoft, where she works with multinational clients on AI and digital transformation strategies. Her previous roles at Microsoft include President of Western Europe and CEO of its UK operations.

She has also held leadership positions at Vodafone and Virgin Media, and spent 15 years at The Walt Disney Company, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Disney Interactive Media Group for the EMEA region.

Philip Jansen, Chair of WPP, said Rose’s appointment followed “a thorough selection process that considered both internal and external candidates.”
“Cindy is an outstanding and inspirational business leader with extensive experience at some of the world’s most recognised companies and a track record of growing large-scale businesses. She has led multi-billion-dollar operations across the UK, EMEA and globally, built enduring client relationships and delivered growth in both enterprise and consumer environments,” he said.
“Cindy has supported the digital transformation of large enterprises around the world – including embracing AI to create new customer experiences, business models and revenue streams… As an existing Board member she understands our business and the needs of our clients.”

Rose has served as a Non-Executive Director on WPP’s Board since 2019. She holds degrees from Columbia University and New York Law School and currently sits on advisory boards for Imperial College Business School and McLaren Racing. She holds both British and American citizenship and was awarded an OBE in 2019 for services to UK technology.

Reflecting on her appointment, Rose said, “WPP is a company I know and love – not only from my six years on the Board but as a client and partner for many years before that – and I couldn’t be happier or more excited to be appointed as CEO. I began my career in the creative industries and this feels like coming home.
“There are so many opportunities ahead for WPP. We have and continue to build market leading AI capabilities, alongside an unrivalled reputation for creative excellence and a preeminent client list. WPP has the most brilliant, talented, creative people and I can't wait to write the company's next chapter together.”

Rose also acknowledged Read’s tenure, stating, “I am grateful to Mark for his many contributions to the business over the years and I look forward to working together to ensure a smooth handover.”

Mark Read, who has been with WPP for more than three decades, said, “Having worked closely with Cindy for the last six years, I am delighted to see her appointed as CEO of WPP. From her time on the Board, she has real insight into our business and knows many of our clients, people and partners around the world.
“She brings deep experience of technology and AI and its transformational impact on business, and has successfully run large global organisations with talent at their core. After seven years as CEO, I know that I am leaving WPP in excellent hands.”

Jansen added, “I would like to reiterate my sincere thanks to Mark for his tireless commitment… and in particular the progress he has made to modernise, simplify and transform the company over the last seven years as CEO.”