WPP appoints Microsoft chief executive Cindy Rose to the board
Advertising group WPP has appointed Microsoft UK chief executive Cindy Rose to its board as a non-executive director, the company said today.
Rose, who has held a string of high-profile jobs in the media and technology sectors, will join the firm from the beginning of April and will serve as a member of the audit committee.
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The appointment comes amid a period of upheaval for the advertising stalwart, which is facing growing competition from tech giants Google and Facebook.
The firm has embarked on a transformation plan that will see 3,500 jobs cut. The group has also merged several of its agencies in a bid to simplify its corporate structure.
WPP posted a huge drop in profit before tax last year after it spent £302m on its restructuring plan, but managed to beat forecasts.
Chief executive Mark Read has also said a change of culture is needed if WPP is to attract the best recruits. The firm was shaken by the abrupt departure of founder Sir Martin Sorrell amid misconduct allegations last year. Sorrell has denied the allegations.
Rose has served as Microsoft’s UK boss since 2016. She has previously worked as managing director at Vodafone and head of digital entertainment at Virgin Media.
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WPP chairman Roberto Quarta said: “Cindy is one of the most admired and respected figures in the technology industry, and we are delighted to welcome her to the WPP board.
“Her deep understanding of the role of technology in business transformation will be invaluable as the executive team implements its new strategy for growth.”