Cindy Rose reshapes WPP leadership, Ogilvy handed to Ezekiel in global revamp

WPP chief executive Cindy Rose has wasted no time putting her stamp on the holding group, announcing a string of high-level appointments just days into her tenure to accelerate client growth and tighten the network’s operating model.

Devika Bulchandani, who has led Ogilvy since 2021, steps into the role of chief operating officer at WPP. She will oversee country managers, growth teams and global client leaders, with a remit to commercialise services more seamlessly across markets. Bulchandani’s elevation follows the departure of Andrew Scott, WPP’s long-serving COO, who will retire at the end of 2025 after nearly three decades with the group.

Taking over as global CEO of Ogilvy Group is Laurent Ezekiel, previously head of WPP Open X for The Coca-Cola Company. That partnership, regarded as the industry’s largest single agency assignment, integrates creative, media, commerce, social, PR and data across Coca-Cola’s 200-plus brands in 195 markets.

WPP Open X itself will now be led by Floriane Tripolino, who has been running the Nestlé account. She takes charge just months after Coca-Cola renewed its global agreement with WPP, with a mandate to scale solutions like Studio X and expand data- and AI-driven consumer connections.

“These appointments underscore WPP’s commitment to delivering unparalleled value and innovation,” said Rose, who officially stepped into the CEO role on 1 September. “Devika’s obsession with client growth, Laurent’s track record with Coca-Cola and Floriane’s success with Nestlé give us the right leadership for this next phase.”

The shake-up signals Rose’s intent to strengthen integration and unlock growth across WPP’s $60bn client portfolio, with both Ogilvy and bespoke models like Open X central to the strategy.

The change at Ogilvy comes at a critical juncture. Considered one of the industry’s largest iconic global creative networks, the agency has faced financial pressures and workforce reductions in recent years.

Ezekiel said she was eager to put her stamp on the global network. 

“It is an immense honour to lead the Ogilvy Group, an iconic network I deeply admire – one that was founded by a true pioneer in David Ogilvy, and that Devika has steered to unprecedented success,” Ezekiel said.

“I am eager to build on this incredible legacy, championing modern marketing and innovation to ensure Ogilvy continues to be the most creative and effective communications partner for brands worldwide.”