The Board of WPP plc announced Monday that Mark Read, chief executive officer (CEO), will retire from the Board and as CEO on 31 December 2025. After more than 30 years with the Company, including seven as CEO, Read will hand over to a new leader, and the search for a successor is underway.

In a statement on the WPP website, Philip Jansen, chair of WPP, said, “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Mark for his contributions not only as CEO but throughout his more than 30 years of leadership and service to the company. During that time, Mark has played a central role in transforming the company into a world leader in modern marketing services, with deep AI, data and technology capabilities, global presence and unrivalled creative talent, setting WPP up well for longer-term success.

“We are pleased that Mark will continue to lead WPP as CEO until the end of the year, remaining focused on the execution of the company’s growth strategy and supporting a smooth transition to his successor, once appointed.”

Mark Read, chief executive officer of WPP, said, “After seven years in the role, and with the foundations in place for WPP’s continued success, I feel it is the right time to hand over the leadership of this amazing company."

Read further stated, “When I took on this role, our mission was to build a simpler, stronger business, and put structure and new energy behind our creativity and performance, powered by world-leading technology. I am proud that our teams across the business have delivered that exceptionally well. 

We now work with four of the world’s five most valuable companies, and our revenues with our biggest clients have grown consistently.

We have also positioned WPP at the forefront of the industry with our investments in AI, and with the full launch of WPP Open this year, we are now leading the way as AI transforms marketing. We have an exceptional leadership team and a secure financial position that allows us to face the future confidently and capture the opportunities ahead."