WPP Gives Microsoft UK CEO a Seat on the Board

In the UK, marcoms giant WPP has appointed Microsoft UK CEO Cindy Rose as a Non-Executive Director on its Board. Her appointment will be effective from 1 April 2019, when she will serve as a member of the Audit Committee.

The WPP group comprises ad agencies, digital firms, government lobbying and public relations businesses, media investment management agencies and a group of research and insight companies under a separate group known as Kantar, which WPP is currently considering selling. Kantar companies include Kantar TNS, Kantar Millward Brown and Lightspeed, along with many specialist firms.

Rose (pictured) was appointed as Microsoft UK CEO in 2016, with responsibility for all of Microsoft's products, services and support offerings across the UK. Prior to this, she was MD of the UK Consumer division at Vodafone, where she led the expansion of its retail store estate from 350 to over 500 stores. Earlier, she held senior roles at Virgin Media, including responsibility for the launch of the company's next pay TV platform powered by TiVo; and she spent fifteen years in various roles at The Walt Disney Company, including SVP & MD of the Disney Interactive Media Group EMEA.

Commenting on the appointment, Chairman Roberto Quarta said: 'Cindy is one of the most admired and respected figures in the technology industry, and we are delighted to welcome her to the WPP Board. Her deep understanding of the role of technology in business transformation will be invaluable as the executive team implements its new strategy for growth.'

Web site: www.wpp.com .