WPP has appointed Philip Jansen to its board as non-executive director and chair-designate.
The former CEO of BT Group will join the board of the world’s largest advertising company on 16th September and will succeed Roberto Quarta as chair from 1st January 2025.
Quarta has been chairman of WPP – whose agencies include Ogilvy, Group M and the merged entity of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R – since 2015.
Jansen 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 then chairman of Brakes Group, and a variety of senior positions in Sodexo Group. He 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.
Jansen led Worldpay through the UK’s largest-ever FinTech IPO, having overhauled its technology infrastructure and invested in areas such as data analytics and cybersecurity. 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.
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“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,” said Angela Ahrendts, senior independent director of WPP.
“As a former marketer he understands our business, its clients and the opportunities ahead of us. We are delighted he is joining WPP.
“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.”
In April WPP reported a 1.4% fall in revenues for Q1 2024 to £3.4 billion as its technology clients cut spending and sales in China stalled. It issued two profit warnings in 2023 as income from North America fell.
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.
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.”