WPP, the world’s largest communications services group, celebrated the opening of its WPP Campus in Shanghai, which will bring together 26 group companies and more than 3,000 people.
The Shanghai campus, one of the most ambitious co-location efforts ever undertaken by WPP globally, highlights the group’s commitment to China, which is WPP’s third largest market. In Greater China, WPP companies generate revenue of US$1.65 billion and employ 15,000 people (including associates).
“The opening of the WPP Campus in Shanghai marks a significant step towards our goal of promoting horizontality across the group. We hope the new Campus will encourage fresh approaches to creativity, innovation and agile collaboration among our group companies,” said Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP, who attended the opening ceremony. “I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Shanghai Government as well as the building’s landlord and partners for their strong support.
We believe this move will allow WPP companies to offer more value added insights, services and outcomes for our clients, and support business development in Shanghai and China.”
Earlier this year, WPP signed the agreement with Nan Fung Group and B.M. group to lease 20 floors and 45,000 sqm at 399 Heng Feng Road. The agreement represents the largest office leasing deal ever signed within the Shanghai CBD.
The WPP Campus will feature state-of-the-art air filtrations systems on each floor, as well as an in-house café, extensive outdoor terrace and a dedicated mothers’ room.
WPP is an industry leader in its deep commitment to China. Sir Martin is currently serving as Chairman of the International Business Leaders’ Advisory Council (IBLAC), an advisory group to the Mayor of Shanghai. WPP companies have been pioneers in building brands in mainland China and their leadership continues today. In 1984, Hill+Knowlton was the first international PR agency to set up shop in mainland China, while advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather opened in Hong Kong in 1961 and its Shanghai office in 1991. In 2014, WPP was named Most Effective Holding Group Of The Year by Effiie China.
WPP companies relocating to the WPP Campus include: Blue Hive, Burson-Marsteller, GroupM, Hill+Knowllton Strategies, Millward Brown, J. Walter Thompson, Ogilvy & Mather, Sudler & MDS, and TNS, among others.
