Global holding group WPP (LSE/NYSE) has announced the appointment of Philip Jansen as a Non-Executive Director and Chair-designate of its Board. Jansen will officially join the Board on 16 September 2024 and will succeed Roberto Quarta as the Non-Executive Chair from 1 January 2025. His appointment marks the end of a protracted search for Quarta’s successor, following Quarta’s announcement of his intention to step down last year.
Philip Jansen brings a wealth of experience to WPP, having served as Chief Executive of BT Group from 2019 until February 2024. His impressive career includes leadership roles at Worldpay, where he orchestrated the UK’s largest-ever fintech IPO and oversaw the merger with the US firm Vantiv, creating the world’s largest payments processing company. Jansen has also held significant positions at Brakes Group, Sodexo Group, and started his career at Procter & Gamble. His broad experience spans technology, consumer goods, and finance, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the modern business landscape.
Jansen expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “Technology is changing the face of commerce, media, and communications, and I am very excited to join a company at the forefront of this change. I look forward to working with my fellow board members and supporting Mark and his leadership team as they continue to transform WPP for the future.”
Angela Ahrendts, Senior Independent Director of WPP, commented on Jansen’s appointment: “Philip brings a valuable blend of experience, from leading technology and consumer goods companies to transforming large, complex organisations and creating significant value for shareholders. As a former marketer, he understands our business, its clients, and the opportunities ahead of us. We are delighted he is joining WPP.”
Mark Read, CEO of WPP, also welcomed Jansen, highlighting his extensive background in marketing and leadership roles. “Philip has deep insight into our industry from his marketing background and roles with technology and consumer goods companies, and I am very happy to welcome him to WPP. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to reshape our offerings to meet the needs of modern marketing.”
Read also took the opportunity to acknowledge Roberto Quarta’s contributions to WPP during his tenure. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Roberto for his support for the leadership team and his exceptional contribution during more than nine years with WPP. He has helped to steer the company through significant challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, overseen the restructuring of our portfolio to return WPP to financial stability, and guided the fundamental reshaping of our offer to meet the needs of modern marketing.”
Jansen’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to align WPP with the rapidly evolving technological landscape, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of innovation in commerce, media, and communications. His leadership is expected to drive further growth and transformation for WPP as it navigates the complexities of the digital age.
