WPP plc (LSE/NYSE: WPP) today announces that Cindy Rose has been appointed as CEO of the Company, effective 1 September 2025. Cindy succeeds Mark Read, who will step down as CEO on the same date. Mark will continue to work with Cindy to support the transition until the end of the year.

She has spent the last nine years in senior leadership positions at Microsoft, where she is currently COO, Global Enterprise. A WPP press release said that in this role, she helped the world’s largest companies use digital technology and AI to drive business transformation.

Cindy has been a non-executive director on the WPP Board since 2019. She is a graduate of Columbia University and New York Law School and an advisory board member at McLaren Racing.

Rose said, “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.

“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.”

Before being appointed to her current Microsoft role in March 2023, Cindy was president of Microsoft Western Europe and CEO of Microsoft UK. Other previous roles include managing director of the UK consumer business at Vodafone and Executive Director of Digital Entertainment and Media Sales at Virgin Media. She also spent 15 years at The Walt Disney Company, ultimately as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Disney Interactive Media Group, EMEA.

WPP has also disclosed the remuneration for Rose as follows:

Cindy Rose’s remuneration arrangements

"Cindy will receive an annual salary of £1,250,000. She will also be eligible for short-term and long-term incentive plan awards in accordance with the Directors’ Compensation Policy (“the Policy”) approved by shareholders at the AGM in 2023.

Cindy’s contract of employment will be available for inspection at the company’s registered office and on WPP’s website, in due course."

Philip Jansen, Chair of WPP, said, “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.

 Cindy’s appointment follows a thorough selection process that considered both internal and external candidates. As an existing board member, she understands our business and the needs of our clients, and we look forward to working with her in her new role as CEO.

As he hands over to Cindy, I would like to reiterate my sincere thanks to Mark for his tireless commitment during more than 30 years with WPP and, in particular, the progress he has made to modernise, simplify and transform the company over the last seven years as CEO. On behalf of the Board and the company as a whole, I wish him all the very best for the future.”