Directorate change - CFO Succession

Summary by AI BETAClose X

WPP PLC announced that Chief Financial Officer Joanne Wilson will step down to become CFO of Diageo plc, remaining in her current role during a 12-month notice period while a successor is sought. Wilson has been instrumental in WPP's Elevate28 growth strategy over the past three years, and the company's 2026 guidance remains unchanged from its August 6th interim results.

Disclaimer*

WPP PLC
23 September 2026
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                       23 September 2026

 

WPP PLC ("WPP")

 

Directorate Change - Chief Financial Officer Succession 

WPP plc (LSE/NYSE:WPP) announces that Joanne Wilson is stepping down from her role as Chief Financial Officer and as an Executive Director of WPP, and will be taking up a new role as Chief Financial Officer of Diageo plc (LSE:DGE/NYSE:DEO).

Joanne will remain in her current role while her successor is appointed, to ensure an effective transition of her responsibilities. She has a 12-month notice period and a date for her departure will be agreed in due course.

The Board has commenced a formal search process to appoint a new Chief Financial Officer.

During her tenure, Joanne has played an important role in positioning WPP for the future and working with the executive team to build momentum in delivering the Company's Elevate28 growth strategy. Joanne will continue to support WPP through an orderly transition as the Company prepares to accelerate its transformation and return to growth.

Cindy Rose, Chief Executive Officer, said: "On behalf of the executive team, I would like to thank Joanne for her significant contribution over the past three years. She has been a valued partner as we have strengthened the business, sharpened our financial discipline and begun to deliver our phase one of Elevate28. I am grateful that Joanne will continue to work with me in ensuring continuity, a smooth handover and sustained focus on execution as we deliver on our strategy." 

Joanne Wilson, Chief Financial Officer, said: "I would like to thank everyone at WPP for their tremendous support over the past few years. I am incredibly proud of all we have achieved. We have built firm foundations in the first phase of Elevate28 to successfully deliver against WPP's strategy."

Our guidance for 2026 is unchanged from that provided alongside our Interim Results on 6 August 2026.

This announcement has been made pursuant to the Financial Conduct Authority's UK Listing Rule 6.4.6R.

 

Further information 

Media: press@wpp.com

Investors: irteam@wpp.com

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company - powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit www.wpp.com

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