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Ad group WPP's COO Andrew Scott to retire at end of year

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on August 29, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 22, 2026

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Ad group WPP's COO Andrew Scott to retire at end of year
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(Reuters) -Advertising group WPP Plc said on Friday its chief operating officer Andrew Scott will retire at the end of the year. WPP's new boss, Cindy Rose, takes over the top job on Monday from Mark

Ad group WPP's COO Andrew Scott to retire at end of year

Leadership Changes at WPP

(Reuters) -Advertising group WPP Plc said on Friday its chief operating officer Andrew Scott will retire at the end of the year.

Cindy Rose Takes Over

WPP's new boss, Cindy Rose, takes over the top job on Monday from Mark Read, who is standing down after seven years.

Andrew Scott's Tenure and Contributions

Scott had been seen as a possible candidate to replace WPP founder Martin Sorrell when he left in 2018, but he worked alongside Read during his tenure which was marked by fierce competition, technological change and challenges in key sectors and geographies.

Challenges Facing WPP

Having joined WPP in 1999 as director of Corporate Development, Scot has played a critical role in the company's multiple acquisitions.

WPP, which lost its crown as the world's biggest ad group to France's Publicis last year, is grappling with the transformational impact of AI, which gives clients the tools to create and manage more of their own marketing campaigns.

(Reporting by Kate Holton in London and Shanima A in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri)

Key Takeaways

  • Andrew Scott, WPP's COO, will retire at the end of the year.
  • Cindy Rose will take over as WPP's new leader.
  • Scott was a key figure in WPP's acquisitions since 1999.
  • WPP faces challenges from AI and global competition.
  • WPP lost its top spot to Publicis in the ad world.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Andrew Scott retire?
Andrew Scott will retire at the end of the year.
Who is taking over as WPP's new CEO?
Cindy Rose will take over as WPP's new CEO on Monday.
What role did Andrew Scott play at WPP?
Scott joined WPP in 1999 and played a critical role in the company's multiple acquisitions.
What challenges is WPP facing?
WPP is grappling with the transformational impact of AI, which affects how clients create and manage advertising.
Who did Andrew Scott work alongside during his tenure?
Scott worked alongside Mark Read during his tenure, which was marked by fierce competition.

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