Global advertising giant WPP has named Cindy Rose as its next Chief Executive Officer, with her appointment set to take effect on September 1. She will succeed Mark Read, who is stepping down after seven years at the helm. Read will stay on through the end of 2025 to support the leadership transition.
Rose, currently Chief Operating Officer of Global Enterprise at Microsoft, brings deep expertise from the tech and media sectors at a time when WPP — and the broader advertising industry — is increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and evolving client expectations.
Her appointment signals WPP’s push to strengthen its tech backbone and redefine its creative and communications capabilities for an AI-driven era. Rose has served on WPP’s board as a Non-Executive Director since 2019, giving her a head start in understanding the group’s operations and strategic priorities.
She is no newcomer to digital transformation. At Microsoft, Rose held several senior leadership roles, including CEO of Microsoft UK and President of Microsoft Western Europe, where she played a key role in driving AI-led change across enterprise businesses. Her prior stints at Vodafone, Virgin Media, and The Walt Disney Company add to her cross-sector credentials.
“Cindy is an outstanding and inspirational leader with deep expertise in AI and digital transformation,” said WPP Chairman Philip Jansen.
In her statement, Rose acknowledged the pace of change in the industry and pointed to WPP’s opportunity to “harness the power of AI and creativity” to help clients grow in a complex, digital-first world.
Her appointment comes as WPP continues to respond to ongoing structural shifts in the marketing landscape, including increasing pressure from tech platforms, changing consumer habits, and a demand for more integrated, data-led solutions. The group has been investing in technology and automation, with AI seen as a key area for delivering more personalized, cost-effective campaigns.
As the industry keeps evolving, Rose will be tasked with accelerating WPP’s transformation — not just in how it operates, but in how it competes.
