Global advertising and marketing giant WPP has announced that Mark Read, its Chief Executive Officer, will retire from the Board and step down from his role as CEO on 31 December 2025.

Read’s departure marks the end of an era for the company, with the leadership transition coming after more than three decades of service, including a transformative seven-year stint at the helm.

The news was confirmed through an official company press release issued on Monday, which stated that the Board has initiated the process to identify a successor who will take the reins in early 2026. Until then, Read will continue to lead the company, focusing on WPP’s ongoing growth strategy and ensuring a smooth leadership transition.

In a statement, Philip Jansen, Chair of WPP, praised Read’s pivotal role in modernising the company, “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Mark for his contributions not only as CEO but throughout his more than 30 years of leadership and service to the Company. Mark has played a central role in transforming WPP into a world leader in modern marketing services, setting it up well for long-term success.”

Under Read’s leadership, WPP undertook major structural and strategic reforms aimed at simplifying its business, enhancing creative performance, and investing in future-ready technologies like AI. Notably, WPP launched WPP Open, its AI-driven marketing platform, earlier this year and has secured stronger relationships with key global clients, including four of the world’s five most valuable companies.

Reflecting on his tenure, Mark Read shared,”WPP is an incredible company with over 100,000 talented and creative people. It has been an immense privilege to serve as its CEO. When I took on this role, our mission was to build a simpler, stronger business. I am proud that our teams have delivered that exceptionally well. Our clients now rate us more highly than ever before.”

He also highlighted WPP’s creative accolades, including being named Creative Company of the Year at Cannes Lions, and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to staying ahead of industry shifts through AI and data-driven innovation.

As the search for a new CEO unfolds, the company remains committed to maintaining its growth trajectory and continuing its transformation into a modern, tech-enabled creative powerhouse.