Mumbai: Global advertising and communications giant WPP Plc reported its third-quarter results with overall revenues declining year-on-year, but its India business stood out as a bright spot, delivering 6.7% growth in like-for-like (LFL) revenue less pass-through costs.
While WPP’s global performance faced headwinds due to weakness in North America, the UK, and China, India remained a strong growth engine for the company within its Rest of World segment, which was down 5.0% overall.
India Outperforms Global Peers
In Q3 2025, WPP reported group revenue of £3.26 billion, down 8.4% year-on-year on a reported basis and 3.5% lower LFL, with revenue less pass-through costs down 5.9% LFL. However, within this broader decline, the India market continued its upward trajectory, bucking the global slowdown and reinforcing its strategic importance to WPP’s future growth.
India’s double-digit growth in several client categories, including consumer goods, e-commerce, and healthcare, supported the company’s regional resilience. This comes as WPP faces a downturn in other key markets such as China (-10.6%), North America (-6.0%), and the UK (-8.9%).
Strategic Significance of India
India’s robust performance underscores its growing role as a key market for innovation and digital transformation within WPP’s global network. The company has been actively scaling its AI, media, and creative technology capabilities in India, supported by its partnerships with Google and Microsoft, and the rollout of its AI-powered marketing platform WPP Open Pro.
WPP’s local agencies – including GroupM, Ogilvy, Wunderman Thompson, and VML – have continued to win major mandates in India’s fast-evolving consumer and tech sectors, driving demand for data-led marketing, content, and performance solutions.
CEO’s Commitment to Regional Growth
Commenting on the company’s broader strategy, WPP CEO Cindy Rose, who took charge in September, said the company is focused on simplifying its operations, improving execution, and accelerating growth in high-potential markets like India.
“We will expand our addressable market by pushing harder into enterprise and technology solutions. India represents one of our strongest and most dynamic markets, and we will continue to invest in its growth,” Rose said.
Despite a challenging global environment, WPP’s India operations are expected to remain resilient, supported by strong domestic demand, expanding digital adoption, and increasing brand investments across sectors.
As WPP undertakes a strategic review aimed at revitalizing global growth, India is likely to play a pivotal role in the company’s transformation agenda—serving both as a growth engine and innovation hub in its global network.
