WPP CEO Mark Read Resigns | Leadership Change
- Mark Read will leave his post as chief executive officer of WPP, the advertising and public relations giant, by the end of the year.
- Read, who has been with the London-listed advertising group for over 30 years, including seven as CEO, will remain in his current role until Dec.
- WPP, a major player in the advertising industry, lost its position as the world’s largest advertising firm last year.
WPP CEO Mark Read is stepping down after seven years, marking a important leadership change for the advertising and public relations giant. The departure follows a period were WPP shares hit a four-year low, reflecting challenges in the market. Read, who has been with WPP for over 30 years, plans to remain in his role until the end of 2025 while the company searches for his successor. This strategic shift comes as WPP, a prominent player in the industry, seeks to regain its footing and navigate an evolving landscape. With Read’s focus on ensuring a smooth transition, the future of WPP is in flux. Read’s legacy includes a drive to make the organization simpler and stronger. News Directory 3 is tracking this major progress closely. Discover what’s next for this advertising powerhouse.
WPP CEO Mark Read to Step Down After Seven Years
Updated June 9, 2025
Mark Read will leave his post as chief executive officer of WPP, the advertising and public relations giant, by the end of the year. The move comes after WPP’s shares experienced a significant dip, reaching a four-year low earlier this year amid a slowdown in sales.
Read, who has been with the London-listed advertising group for over 30 years, including seven as CEO, will remain in his current role until Dec. 31. The company has already begun the search for his replacement.
WPP, a major player in the advertising industry, lost its position as the world’s largest advertising firm last year. Shares fell in February after revenue figures disappointed investors, and analysts predict continued challenges for the remainder of 2025. The stock has fallen by a third this year.
Read reflected on his tenure, stating, “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.”
He added, “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.”
“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,” Read said.
WPP Chair Philip Jansen acknowledged Read’s contribution to the company’s transformation. He said Read played a “central role” in transforming WPP into a “world leader in modern marketing services, with deep AI, data and technology capabilities, global presence and unrivalled creative talent.”
Jansen added that Read will remain focused on executing the company’s growth strategy and supporting a smooth transition to his successor.
what’s next
WPP will continue its search for a new CEO, with Read remaining in place to ensure a seamless handover and maintain focus on the company’s strategic objectives.