WPP CEO Mark Read to Retire in 2025

Mark Read, CEO of WPP, will retire at the end of 2025 after over 30 years at the company, with Chair Philip Jansen overseeing the search for his successor. Read's tenure saw efforts to streamline WPP and invest in technology and AI, but also included the loss of its status as the world's largest ad group, a sharp decline in share price, and stagnant growth forecasts. His departure comes as WPP faces industry disruptions from artificial intelligence, cautious client spending due to global economic uncertainty, and major industry consolidations such as the Omnicom and IPG merger. Clients are increasingly managing media buying and data internally, adding to sector challenges. Despite these issues, WPP leadership cites strengthened creative and technological capabilities and strong client relationships as positives. Read will remain CEO through the end of 2025 to ensure a smooth transition.