The Board of WPP has announced that Mark Read, Chief Executive Officer, will retire from the Board and as CEO on 31 st December 2025. This news will mark the closing of Mark's journey with the company after 30 years, including seven as CEO.
"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Mark for his contributions not only as CEO but throughout his more than 30 years of leadership and service to the Company," said Philip Jansen, Chair of WPP. "During that time Mark has played a central role in transforming the Company into a world leader in modern marketing services, with deep AI, data and technology capabilities, global presence and unrivalled creative talent, setting WPP up well for longer-term success."
In his tenure as CEO, Mark oversaw the structural changes across WPP's agency network, including the merger of Hill & Knowlton and BCW to form Burson. He will continue to serve in the role of CEO until the end of the year, supporting the company's growth and the transition period for his successor, once appointed.
"When I took on this role our mission was to build a simpler, stronger business, and put structure and new energy behind our creativity and performance, powered by world-leading technology. I am proud that our teams across the business have delivered that exceptionally well," Mark commented. "Our clients today rate us more highly than ever before, we now work with four of the world's five most valuable companies, and our revenues with our biggest clients have grown consistently."
"After seven years in the role, and with the foundations in place for WPP's continued success, I feel it is the right time to hand over the leadership of this amazing company," he added. "I am excited to explore the next chapter in my life and can only thank all the brilliant people I have been lucky enough to work with over the last 30 years, and who have made possible the enormous progress we have achieved together. I would also like to thank Phil and the rest of the Board for their steadfast support for me and the wider executive team, and I look forward to supporting them in the transition to my successor in the coming months."
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