Cindy Rose charts ‘new WPP’ vision at first global townhall: People, Clients, AI

At her debut global townhall as WPP’s new Chief Executive Officer, Cindy Rose struck a confident note, telling employees that the “best of WPP is yet to come” as she laid out a three-part blueprint to drive the company forward.

Speaking live from WPP’s 3WTC campus in New York, with teams worldwide joining remotely, Rose defined her agenda around three strategic imperatives: putting people first, winning for clients, and harnessing the company’s AI advantage.

A people-first approach

Calling WPP a “people business at its core,” Rose said her first priority is to make the company the home of world-class talent. She underlined the importance of building an environment where professionals can thrive, grow, and feel proud to belong.

Relentless focus on clients

On the client front, Rose urged teams to be “completely client-obsessed.” She pressed for tighter collaboration across agencies and capabilities to deliver unified, high-impact solutions, and to go the extra mile in ensuring client success.

Becoming AI superusers

Pointing to WPP’s significant AI investments, Rose challenged employees to embrace technology as a competitive edge. She called on teams to become “AI superusers,” integrating AI tools into daily work to boost creativity, efficiency, and outcomes. “We need to lead with these in every client conversation,” she said.

Rose told employees that executing on these principles would position WPP as a company defined by “an unrivalled combination of passionate, talented people, a simpler client proposition, and a go-to-market powered by the best AI capabilities in the market.”

Reflecting on her decision to take on the CEO role, Rose, who has been associated with WPP for over 15 years and has also held leadership positions at Microsoft UK, Disney, and Virgin Media, said she was motivated by her belief in WPP’s ability to “write the next chapter in its history.”

“It’s a privilege to lead the new WPP,” she added. “This company has shaped industries, influenced culture, and helped change the world through its work. There’s no better time than now to make history again.”

Rose succeeds Mark Read, who stepped down earlier this year after a six-year tenure in which he restructured the business, streamlined WPP’s agency portfolio, and laid the groundwork with early AI and tech partnerships.