WPP COO andrew Scott to Retire, Continuing Leadership Transition under New CEO Cindy Rose
New York, NY – September 1, 2024 – WPP, one of the world’s leading advertising and marketing services companies, announced on Friday that Chief Operating Officer Andrew Scott will retire at the end of the year. This departure marks the latest in a series of notable leadership changes at WPP as the company navigates a transition period under newly appointed CEO Cindy Rose.
Scott,who has been with WPP for 27 years,has held the position of COO since 2018,playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s operational structure and driving strategic acquisitions. He initially joined WPP in 1999 as a director of corporate growth and was later appointed to the board in 2023.Following his retirement, Scott will transition into a senior advisory role, providing support to other senior executives and contributing to the execution of WPP’s strategic initiatives. This ensures a continued leveraging of his extensive experience during a crucial period for the association.
“After 27 years at WPP,and at a time of transition for the business,it feels like the right moment to make this change,” Scott stated. he expressed his confidence in Rose’s leadership, noting their long-standing working relationship and his excitement for the future of WPP under her direction.He also extended gratitude to outgoing CEO Mark Read and the broader team for their support throughout his tenure.
During his time as COO, Scott spearheaded several key acquisitions, including AI technology company Satalia and data and AI firm InfoSum, bolstering WPP’s capabilities in these rapidly evolving areas. He also played a critical role in the successful divestitures of 60% of Kantar to Bain Capital and FGS Global to KKR, demonstrating his adeptness at portfolio management.
Outgoing CEO Mark Read lauded Scott’s contributions, stating, “Few people have done more than Andrew to shape WPP and to drive its success over the last three decades. He has been a brilliant partner to me and the wider leadership team and has made a tremendous contribution to WPP in his most recent role as chief operating officer.”
Scott’s announced departure follows Read’s own declaration in June that he would step down as CEO on September 1st, remaining as an advisor through the end of the year to facilitate a smooth transition.
Cindy Rose, who was named WPP’s next CEO in July, previously served as Microsoft’s chief operating officer for global enterprise and has been a member of the WPP board as 2018. She recently addressed WPP staff, expressing her enthusiasm for the company’s future and outlining her vision for continued growth and innovation.
This series of leadership changes signals a new chapter for WPP as it adapts to the evolving landscape of the advertising and marketing industry and focuses on delivering value to its clients in a dynamic global market.