For
Immediate Release
30 JULY
2024
WPP plc
("WPP")
WPP APPOINTS PHILIP JANSEN AS
NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIR OF THE BOARD
WPP (LSE/NYSE:WPP) today announces
the appointment of Philip Jansen to its Board as a Non-Executive
Director and Chair-designate. He will join the Board on 16
September 2024 and will succeed Roberto Quarta as Non-Executive
Chair of WPP from 1 January 2025.
Philip was Chief Executive of BT
Group from 2019 to February 2024. Before that he was CEO of
Worldpay, the technology-led global payments services group.
Previous roles include CEO and then Chairman of Brakes Group, and a
variety of senior positions in Sodexo Group. Philip began his
career at Procter & Gamble, going on to hold marketing director
roles at Dunlop Slazenger and Telewest before moving into general
management first at Telewest and then MyTravel. He was a
non-executive director of Travis Perkins for four years.
Philip led Worldpay through the UK's
largest ever fintech IPO, having overhauled its technology
infrastructure and invested in areas such as data analytics and
cyber security. He also led the merger with US counterpart Vantiv
to create Worldpay Inc., the world's largest industry player,
handling payments across 146 countries. At BT Group, the global
provider of telecommunications and related digital services, he
oversaw the strategy to modernise, future-proof and simplify the
business.
Angela Ahrendts, Senior Independent
Director of WPP, said: "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."
Philip Jansen said: "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."
Mark Read, CEO of WPP, said: "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.
"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."
Balbir Kelly-Bisla
Company Secretary
Further
information
Media: press@wpp.com
Investors: irteam@wpp.com
About WPP
WPP is the creative transformation
company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for
our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information,
visit www.wpp.com.
ENDS
Notes
1. The appointment of
Philip Jansen was made by the Board on the recommendation of the
Nomination and Governance Committee, which was chaired by Angela
Ahrendts, WPP's Senior Independent Non-Executive Director. The
Committee comprises Angela Ahrendts, Tom Ilube and Cindy Rose, and
is chaired by Roberto Quarta. However, in accordance with good
governance Roberto Quarta did not participate in this
process.
2. The Board determined
that Philip Jansen is an independent Non-Executive Director on
appointment in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance
Code.
3. The Compensation
Committee agreed Philip Jansen's fees. He will receive total fees
of £575,000 per annum.
4. In addition to being
Chair, on joining the Board Philip Jansen will be appointed as a
member of the Compensation Committee and the Nomination and
Governance Committee and succeed Roberto Quarta as Chair of that
Committee on 1 January 2025.
5. Philip Jansen does
not have a service contract. He has a letter of appointment which
may be viewed by contacting the Company Secretary at the Company's
registered office.
6. There are no
additional details to disclose under paragraphs (1) to (6) of LR 9.6.13 R of the UK Listing
Authority's Listing Rules in respect of the
appointment.
7. Roberto Quarta will
retire from the Board on 31 December 2024.