Kantar Media, a global leader in media measurement and analytics operating in over 80 countries, has said it has appointed Mark Read, former CEO of WPP, as Chairman of its newly formed Board of Directors.

According to a media statement from Kantar Media on November 24, Read’s appointment would add much value to its functioning, especially as he believes in the power of technology to transform business and had championed WPP’s investments in AI, including the creation of WPP Open and the acquisition of Satalia, a leading UK AI business

Read has had a long career in the advertising and media industry, most recently as CEO of WPP from 2018 to 2025. Prior to that he led strategy for WPP, made its early moves into digital media through WPP Digital and was CEO of Wunderman, a global digital agency.

“Kantar Media serves a unique and essential role in the media ecosystem helping advertisers, agencies, media owners and platforms understand how people are consuming media and how best to direct their media investments. I am delighted to join Kantar Media’s board as Chairman, and to support Patrick and his Leadership team in bringing greater clarity to the media ecosystem at a time when audience behaviour is changing more rapidly than ever”, Read said in a statement.

Kantar Media was recently sold by Kantar Group and Bain Capital to H.I.G. Capital. The transaction concluded in August of this year, and this newly formed Board is the first, fully independent Board for the company.

“We are honoured that Mark has chosen to join Kantar Media’s Board at a pivotal moment in our company’s journey. Mark combines deep strategic thinking with practical experience in transformation, data and AI, and most importantly he shares our ambition to transform the industry by bringing clarity to a complex landscape,” said Patrick Béhar, CEO of Kantar Media.

According to H.I.G managing director Nishant Nayyar, Read’s appointment underscores the company’s commitment to back Kantar Media with exceptional leadership. “His deep industry knowledge and proven track record in driving transformation and innovation will be invaluable as Patrick and his team take the company into its next phase of growth,” he added.