Cindy Rose to succeed Mark Read as WPP CEO

Microsoft executive Cindy Rose will take over as global CEO of WPP on 1 September, replacing Mark Read after a seven-year tenure that saw Read lead the creative giant through a period of major transformation.

A longtime board member at WPP, Rose steps into the role amid ongoing shifts in technology, AI and media investment.

She currently serves as chief operating officer, global enterprise at Microsoft and has held a seat on the WPP board since 2019. She will work alongside Read during a transition period through to the end of the year and will be based between London and New York.

SEE MORE: WPP CEO Mark Read to step down after 7 years

WPP chair Philip Jansen said the appointment followed a comprehensive global search process and praised Rose’s ability to lead at scale across both enterprise and consumer brands, including during her time at Microsoft, Vodafone, Virgin Media and The Walt Disney Company.

“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,” Jansen said. “Her expertise in this landscape will be hugely valuable to WPP as the industry navigates fundamental changes and macroeconomic uncertainty.”

Rose said she was excited to take on the role, calling WPP “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”.

“I began my career in the creative industries and this feels like coming home,” she 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.”

Rose, who holds dual British and American citizenship, was awarded an OBE in 2019 for her contribution to UK technology.

Read welcomed the appointment, saying Rose brings deep experience in technology and AI and has successfully led large global organisations with “talent at their core”.

“After seven years as CEO, I know that I am leaving WPP in excellent hands,” Read said.