WPP's COO Andrew Scott Announces Retirement

WPP's Chief Operating Officer Andrew Scott, a twenty-seven-year veteran of the group, is to retire from the role and from the Board, at the end of the year.

Scott (pictured) joined WPP in 1999 as Director of Corporate Development, and rose through a variety of roles to global COO in 2018. His responsibilities include leading WPP's country structure in key markets, and responsibility for M&A activity - including the recent purchase of InfoSum. He has also played a critical role in strategic disposals including the sale of 60% of Kantar to Bain Capital and the subsequent sale of FGS Global to KKR. He joined the marcoms group's Board in 2023.

Scott will work with recently appointed CEO Cindy Rose between now and December, and thereafter as Senior Advisor, to transition his various roles and responsibilities to 'other senior executives'.

Outgoing CEO Mark Read, with whom Scott shared the COO role immediately prior to the CEO announcement, said of Scott's contribution: 'Few people have done more than Andrew to shape WPP and to drive its success over the last three decades. He has been a brilliant partner to me and the wider leadership team throughout and has made a tremendous contribution to WPP in his most recent role as Chief Operating Officer.' Scott himself said: 'After 27 years at WPP, and at a time of transition for the business, it feels like the right moment to make this change. I've known Cindy for a long time and worked closely with her on the Board of WPP, and I'm excited for the future of WPP under her leadership. I'd also like to thank Mark and the rest of the team for all the support they've given me over the years.'

Web site: www.wpp.com .