Cindy Rose Appointed CEO of WPP, Succeeding Mark Read This September
WPP has announced a major leadership transition, naming Cindy Rose as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st September 2025. The move sees Rose take the helm of one of the world’s largest advertising and communications groups as current CEO Mark Read steps down after seven years in the role.
Rose, who has British and American citizenship, will be based in both London and New York, placing her at the heart of WPP’s global operations. Her appointment marks a return to her creative roots but this time with a strong digital edge.
“WPP is a company I know and love,” said Cindy Rose. “Not only from my six years on the Board, but as a client and partner 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.”
From Disney to Microsoft – and Now WPP
Rose’s credentials span some of the most recognisable brands in the world. After 15 years at The Walt Disney Company, she held executive roles at Virgin Media and Vodafone, before moving to Microsoft, where she most recently served as Chief Operating Officer, Global Enterprise.
Her work at Microsoft involved helping the world’s largest businesses leverage AI and digital technologies to reimagine their futures and a skillset that seems perfectly timed for the advertising world’s rapid shift toward automation, personalisation, and immersive experiences.
“She brings deep experience of technology and AI and its transformational impact on business,” said Mark Read. “Having worked closely with Cindy for the last six years, I know I’m leaving WPP in excellent hands.”
A London-Based Global Strategy
With her links to the UK’s tech and creative industries, Rose’s London base is more than symbolic. She has served as an Advisory Board Member at Imperial College Business School, held board-level positions at WPP since 2019, and was recognised with an OBE in 2019 for services to UK technology.
WPP Chair Philip Jansen described Cindy Rose as an “outstanding and inspirational business leader,” adding:
“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. Her expertise in this landscape will be hugely valuable to WPP.”
The announcement follows a thorough selection process and reflects WPP’s intention to remain at the forefront of creative leadership, technological innovation and client trust in a challenging global landscape.
“There are so many opportunities ahead for WPP,” Cindy Rose said. “We continue to build market-leading AI capabilities alongside an unrivalled reputation for creative excellence and a preeminent client list. I can’t wait to write the company’s next chapter together.”
Read, who has been with WPP for over 30 years, will remain with the company through the end of 2025 to support a smooth transition. WPP’s leadership structure and strategic focus on creative transformation can be explored in greater detail via the company’s global leadership portal.
Curious where creative leadership meets AI? Head to EyeOnLondon for more stories like this one. We’d love to hear what you think in the comments – especially if you work in media, tech, or creative industries.
[Image Credit | WPP]
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