WPP has appointed Cindy Rose as its new CEO, effective September 1, succeeding Mark Read, who announced his departure last month.

Read will remain in a transition role until December 31.

Rose brings extensive experience to her new position, having spent nine years in senior leadership roles at Microsoft.

Most recently, she served as Chief Operating Officer-Global Enterprise, advising clients on business transformation.

Her previous roles include President of Microsoft Western Europe and CEO of Microsoft UK. Rose has also held positions at Vodafone and Virgin Media, and spent 15 years at The Walt Disney Company, where she was Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Disney Interactive Media Group, EMEA.

Notably, Rose has been a Non-Executive Director on the WPP Board since 2019, giving her valuable insight into the company’s business, clients, people, and partners worldwide. She holds dual US-UK citizenship and will be based in both London and New York.

Mark Read expressed his enthusiasm for Rose’s appointment, stating, “Having worked closely with Cindy for the last six years, I am delighted to see her appointed as CEO of WPP.”

“She brings deep experience of technology and AI and its transformational impact on business, and has successfully run large global organisations with talent at their core. After seven years as CEO, I know that I am leaving WPP in excellent hands.”

This appointment comes shortly after WPP downgraded its expected performance for 2025.