London: WPP, the world’s largest marketing and communications company, has announced the appointment of Cindy Rose as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2025. She will succeed Mark Read, who steps down after seven years in the role and over three decades with the company. Read will support Rose during a transition period until the end of the year.
Cindy Rose brings to WPP an impressive pedigree across technology, media, and telecommunications sectors. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer, Global Enterprise at Microsoft, where she helps global corporations harness digital technologies and AI to drive transformation. Her leadership résumé includes roles as President of Microsoft Western Europe, CEO of Microsoft UK, and senior leadership positions at Vodafone, Virgin Media, and The Walt Disney Company.
Rose has served on the WPP Board as a Non-Executive Director since 2019, giving her intimate knowledge of the company’s operations and client ecosystem. Her appointment follows a comprehensive internal and external selection process led by the WPP Board.
“Cindy is an outstanding and inspirational business leader with extensive experience at some of the world’s most recognised companies,” said Philip Jansen, Chair of WPP. “She has led multi-billion-dollar businesses, developed enduring client relationships, and driven enterprise-scale digital transformation – including AI integration – all of which will be instrumental in leading WPP into its next chapter.”
Rose, a dual citizen of the UK and US, will be based in both London and New York. A Columbia University and New York Law School graduate, she also holds advisory roles with Imperial College Business School and McLaren Racing. In 2019, she was awarded an OBE for services to UK technology.
Speaking on her appointment, Rose said, “WPP is a company I know and love — not only from my six years on the Board but also as a client and partner for many years. I couldn’t be more excited to be appointed CEO. With our AI capabilities, creative strength, and world-class talent, the opportunities ahead are enormous. I look forward to shaping WPP’s next chapter together with our teams around the world.”
Mark Read, who led WPP through a transformative period that included simplifying the company’s structure and expanding its digital capabilities, expressed confidence in Rose’s leadership: “Having worked closely with Cindy, I know she brings deep insight, strong leadership, and the right vision to guide WPP forward. I leave knowing the company is in excellent hands.”
Rose’s appointment signals WPP’s strategic intent to double down on technology, creativity, and AI-led transformation as the marketing landscape continues to evolve.
