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Company Overview

Business Description

Sector
Communication Services
Industry
Media
Headquarters
United Kingdom UK
Employees
98 655
IPO date
Jan 2, 2013

WPP is one of the world’s largest advertising and marketing services companies. It helps brands plan and run advertising campaigns, create ads and content, buy media space, manage public relations, and build digital marketing programs. Its work sits between big consumer brands and the media channels where those brands want to reach customers.

The company sells professional services through a network of agency brands, rather than physical products. Its main customers are companies that need help with marketing, especially large global advertisers in consumer goods, retail, technology, finance, and other sectors. WPP makes money by charging service fees, retainers, and project-based payments, and in some cases earns commissions or related fees tied to media buying and campaign execution.

What makes WPP’s business different is that it combines creative work, media planning, data, and market research under one roof. That matters because modern advertising is not just about making commercials; it also requires buying the right audience, tracking performance, and adjusting campaigns across many channels. WPP’s role is to coordinate those moving parts for clients and help them spend marketing budgets efficiently.

WPP PLC Investor Relations

Address
Sea Containers, 18 Upper Ground, NaN
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United Kingdom

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Media buying

This part plans and buys advertising space for clients across TV, digital, print, audio, and outdoor media. It helps brands place campaigns where their customers will see them.

Customers

Large consumer brands, retailers, automotive companies, and other businesses that want to run advertising campaigns.

Revenue Model

WPP charges fees for planning and buying media, plus management fees for campaign work and related services.

Creative and brand services

This part builds ad campaigns, brand strategy, content, design, and digital experiences for clients. It also helps with campaign production and local market adaptation.

Customers

Companies that need advertising ideas, brand identity work, campaign content, and marketing materials.

Revenue Model

WPP earns project fees, retainer fees, and service charges for creative, production, and advisory work.

Public relations and specialist marketing

This part handles public relations, corporate communications, health marketing, commerce support, and other specialized marketing work. It helps clients shape their public image and run targeted marketing programs.

Customers

Corporations, public-sector groups, and brands that need communications support, reputation management, or niche marketing help.

Revenue Model

WPP makes money through consulting fees, retainers, and project-based service charges.

Management

Mr. Mark Read CBE

CEO & Executive Director

Biography unavailable

Ms. Joanne Wilson

CFO & Director

Biography unavailable

Mr. Andrew Grant Balfour Scott

COO & Executive Director

Biography unavailable

Mr. Stephan Pretorius

Chief Technology Officer

Biography unavailable

Ms. Rachel Higham

Chief Information Officer

Biography unavailable

Mr. Tom Waldron

Group Investor Relations Director

Biography unavailable

Ms. Andrea Harris Esq.

Group Chief Counsel

Biography unavailable

Mr. Chris Wade

Director of Communications & Corporate Affairs

Biography unavailable

Mr. Laurent Ezekiel

Chief Marketing Officer & CEO of WPP Open X

Biography unavailable

Mr. Christian Juhl

President of Corporate Development

Biography unavailable

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