UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 6-K
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Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Month of July 2025
Commission File Number: 001-38303
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WPP plc
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
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Sea Containers, 18 Upper Ground
London, United Kingdom SE1 9GL
(Address of principal executive offices)
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Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
Form
20-F X Form 40-F
___
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ___
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the
submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an
attached annual report to security holders.
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ___
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the
submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish a report
or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must
furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which
the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the
registrant’s “home country”), or under the rules
of the home country exchange on which the registrant’s
securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is
not a press release, is not required to be and has not been
distributed to the registrant’s security holders, and, if
discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form
6-K submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR.
Forward-Looking Statements
The
Company may include forward-looking statements (including as
defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995) in oral or written public statements issued by or on behalf
of the Company. These forward-looking statements may include, among
other things, plans, objectives, beliefs, intentions, strategies,
projections and anticipated future economic performance based on
assumptions and the like that are subject to risks and
uncertainties. These statements can be identified by the fact that
they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They
use words such as ‘aim’, ‘anticipate’,
‘believe’, ‘estimate’,
‘expect’, ‘forecast’,
‘guidance’, ‘intend’, ‘may’,
‘will’, ‘should’, ‘potential’,
‘possible’, ‘predict’,
‘project’, ‘plan’, ‘target’,
and other words and similar references to future periods but are
not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. As such,
all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because
they relate to future events and circumstances that are beyond the
control of the Company. Actual results or outcomes may differ
materially from those discussed or implied in the forward-looking
statements. Therefore, you should not rely on such forward-looking
statements, which speak only as of the date they are made, as a
prediction of actual results or otherwise. Important factors which
may cause actual results to differ include but are not limited to:
the unanticipated loss of a material client or key personnel;
delays, suspensions or reductions in client advertising budgets;
shifts in industry rates of compensation; regulatory compliance
costs or litigation; changes in competitive factors in the
industries in which we operate and demand for our products and
services; changes in client advertising, marketing and corporate
communications requirements; our inability to realise the future
anticipated benefits of acquisitions; failure to realise our
assumptions regarding goodwill and indefinite lived intangible
assets; natural disasters or acts of terrorism; the Company’s
ability to attract new clients; the economic and geopolitical
impact of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East; the risk of
global economic downturn; slower growth, increasing interest rates
and high and sustained inflation; tariffs and other trade barriers;
supply chain issues affecting the distribution of our
clients’ products; technological changes and risks to the
security of IT and operational infrastructure, systems, data and
information resulting from increased threat of cyber and other
attacks; effectively managing the risks, challenges and
efficiencies presented by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and
Generative AI technologies and partnerships in our business; risks
related to our environmental, social and governance goals and
initiatives, including impacts from regulators and other
stakeholders, and the impact of factors outside of our control on
such goals and initiatives; the Company’s exposure to changes
in the values of other major currencies (because a substantial
portion of its revenues are derived and costs incurred outside of
the UK); and the overall level of economic activity in the
Company’s major markets (which varies depending on, among
other things, regional, national and international political and
economic conditions and government regulations in the world’s
advertising markets). In addition, you should consider the risks
described in Item 3D, captioned “Risk Factors” in the
Group’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F, which could
also cause actual results to differ from forward-looking
information. In light of these and other uncertainties, the
forward-looking statements included in this document should not be
regarded as a representation by the Company that the
Company’s plans and objectives will be achieved. Neither the
Company, nor any of its directors, officers or employees, provides
any representation, assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of
any events anticipated, expressed or implied in any forward-looking
statements will actually occur. Other than in accordance with its
legal or regulatory obligations (including under the Market Abuse
Regulation, the UK Listing Rules and the Disclosure and
Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority), the Company
undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.
EXHIBIT INDEX
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Exhibit
No.
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Description
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1
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Chief Executive Officer Appointment dated 10 July 2025, prepared by WPP
plc.
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For Immediate Release
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10 July 2025
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WPP plc ("WPP" or the "Company")
Chief Executive Officer Appointment
WPP plc (LSE/NYSE: WPP) today announces that Cindy Rose has been
appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company,
effective 1 September 2025. Cindy succeeds Mark Read who will step
down as CEO on the same date. Mark will continue to work with Cindy
to support the transition until the end of the year.
Cindy has extensive experience as a leader in the technology,
telecommunications, media, entertainment and creative industries
gained at world-leading brands.
She has spent the last nine years in senior leadership positions at
Microsoft where she is currently Chief Operating Officer, Global
Enterprise. In this role she helps the world's largest companies
use digital technology and AI to drive business
transformation.
Before being appointed to her current Microsoft role in March 2023,
Cindy was President of Microsoft Western Europe and CEO of
Microsoft UK. Other previous roles include Managing Director of the
UK consumer business at Vodafone and Executive Director of Digital
Entertainment and Media Sales at Virgin Media. She also spent 15
years at The Walt Disney Company, ultimately as Senior Vice
President and Managing Director of Disney Interactive Media Group,
EMEA.
Cindy has been a Non-Executive Director on the WPP Board since
2019. She is a graduate of Columbia University and New York Law
School, and an Advisory Board Member at Imperial College Business
School in London and McLaren Racing.
Cindy has British and American citizenship and will be based in
both London and New York. She was awarded an OBE in the 2019 New
Year Honours in recognition of her services to UK
technology.
Philip Jansen, Chair of WPP, said:
"Cindy is an outstanding and inspirational business leader with
extensive experience at some of the world's most recognised
companies and a track record of growing large-scale businesses. She
has led multi-billion-dollar operations across the UK, EMEA and
globally, built enduring client relationships and delivered growth
in both enterprise and consumer environments.
"Cindy has supported the digital transformation of large
enterprises around the world - including embracing AI to create new
customer experiences, business models and revenue streams. Her
expertise in this landscape will be hugely valuable to WPP as the
industry navigates fundamental changes and macroeconomic
uncertainty. Cindy's appointment
follows a thorough selection process that considered both internal
and external candidates. As an existing Board member she
understands our business and the needs of our clients, and we look
forward to working with her in her new role as
CEO.
"As he hands over to Cindy, I would like to reiterate my sincere
thanks to Mark for his tireless commitment during more than 30
years with WPP and in particular the progress he has made to
modernise, simplify and transform the company over the last seven
years as CEO. On behalf of the Board and the company as a whole I
wish him all the very best for the future."
Cindy Rose said:
"WPP is a company I know and love - not only from my six years on
the Board but as a client and partner for many years before that -
and I couldn't be happier or more excited to be appointed as CEO. I
began my career in the creative industries and this feels like
coming home.
"There are so many opportunities ahead for WPP. We have and
continue to build market-leading AI capabilities, alongside an
unrivalled reputation for creative excellence and a preeminent
client list. WPP has the most brilliant, talented, creative people
and I can't wait to write the company's next chapter
together.
"I am grateful to Mark for his many contributions to the business
over the years and I look forward to working together to ensure a
smooth handover."
Mark Read said:
"Having worked closely with Cindy for the last six years, I am
delighted to see her appointed as CEO of WPP. From her time on the
Board, she has real insight into our business and knows many of our
clients, people and partners around the world.
"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."
For further information:
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Investors and analysts
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Thomas Singlehurst, CFA
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+44 7876 431 922
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Anthony Hamilton
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+44 7464 532 903
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Melissa Fung
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+44 7392 280 178
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wpp.com/investors
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Media
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Chris Wade
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+44 20 7282 4600
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Burson Buchanan:
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Richard Oldworth
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+44 7710 130 634 / +44 20 7466 5000
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Chris Lane
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+44 7899 793 612 / +44 20 7466 5000
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Notes to editors
This announcement includes inside information as defined in Article
7 of the Market Abuse Regulation No. 596/2014. The person
responsible for arranging the release of this announcement on
behalf of WPP is Balbir Kelly-Bisla, Company
Secretary.
Remuneration
Cindy Rose's remuneration arrangements
Cindy will receive an annual salary of £1,250,000. She will
also be eligible for short- term and long-term incentive plan
awards in accordance with the Directors' Compensation Policy ("the
Policy") approved by shareholders at the AGM in 2023. She will
receive benefits and pension in accordance with the Policy. Cindy
will also receive buy-out awards in respect of outstanding
incentives she will forfeit on leaving her former company. These
will be structured in line with the Policy. Further details will be
set out in the 2025 Compensation Committee Report.
Cindy's contract of employment will be available for inspection at
the Company's registered office and on WPP's website, wpp.com, in
due course.
Mark Read's remuneration arrangements
Mark Read will be treated in accordance with WPP's shareholder
approved Directors' Compensation Policy. Details of his
compensation on leaving will be disclosed on the Company's website
in due course in compliance with Section 430(2B) of the Companies
Act 2006, and full details will also be disclosed in the
Compensation Committee Report for the relevant year.
About WPP
WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of
creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients
and communities. For more information,
visit www.wpp.com.
ENDS
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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WPP
PLC
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(Registrant)
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Date:
10 July 2025.
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By:
______________________
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Balbir
Kelly-Bisla
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Company
Secretary
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