WPP, the world’s largest advertising company, has appointed Philip Jansen to its board as a non-executive director and chair-designate. Jansen, the former CEO of BT Group, will join the board from September 16th and will succeed Roberto Quarta as chair from January 1st 2025. Quarta has served as chairman since 2015.
Jansen has extensive experience as CEO of Worldpay and Brakes Group, and in senior positions at Sodexo Group, Procter & Gamble, and Dunlop Slazenger. He was also a non-executive director of Travis Perkins for four years. He led Worldpay through the UK’s largest-ever FinTech IPO, oversaw the merger with US counterpart Vantiv to create Worldpay Inc., and helped modernise BT Group’s business strategy.
Mark Read, CEO of WPP, thanked Quarta for his exceptional contribution during his tenure, which saw the company through significant challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the restructuring of its portfolio to return to financial stability. Read is thrilled to welcome Jansen to WPP and believes his marketing background and experience with technology and consumer goods companies will bring deep insight to the industry.
Jansen’s marketing background and previous posts in technology and consumer goods companies will be invaluable to WPP. Angela Ahrendts, senior independent director of WPP, praised Jansen, saying he “brings a valuable blend of experience, from leading technology and consumer goods companies to transforming large, complex organisations and creating significant value for shareholders”. Ahrendts believes that Jansen understands WPP’s business, clients, and opportunities ahead, making him an excellent addition to the team.
Despite technology clients cutting spending and slow sales in China, WPP is confident that Jansen and the leadership team can transform the company for the future. Jansen is eager to work with the company at the forefront of technological change in commerce, media, and communications.
To date, WPP has included Ogilvy, Group M, and the merged entities of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R in its portfolio. However, with Jansen’s marketing and technological background, the company may well expand into other areas in the future.
