WPP Appoints Philip Jansen as Non-Executive Chair of the Board

Rhea-AI Summary

WPP (NYSE: WPP) has announced the appointment of Philip Jansen as Non-Executive Director and Chair-designate, effective September 16, 2024. Jansen will succeed Roberto Quarta as Non-Executive Chair on January 1, 2025. Jansen, former CEO of BT Group and Worldpay, brings extensive experience in technology, consumer goods, and organizational transformation. The appointment, recommended by the Nomination and Governance Committee, aims to leverage Jansen's marketing background and technology expertise to support WPP's future growth. Jansen will receive annual fees of £575,000 and join the Compensation and Nomination and Governance Committees. Roberto Quarta will retire from the Board on December 31, 2024, after nine years of service.

Positive

• Appointment of Philip Jansen, an experienced leader with a strong background in technology and marketing
• Jansen's expertise in transforming large organizations and creating shareholder value
• Smooth transition plan with Jansen joining as Chair-designate before taking full role

Negative

• Potential disruption in leadership continuity with the change in Board Chair
• Significant annual fees of £575,000 for the new Chair position

NEW YORK & LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- WPP (NYSE: WPP) today announces the appointment of Philip Jansen to its Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair-designate. He will join the Board on 16 September 2024 and will succeed Roberto Quarta as Non-Executive Chair of WPP from 1 January 2025.

Philip 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 and then Chairman of Brakes Group, and a variety of senior positions in Sodexo Group. Philip 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.

Philip led Worldpay through the UK’s largest ever fintech IPO, having overhauled its technology infrastructure and invested in areas such as data analytics and cyber security. 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.

Angela Ahrendts, Senior Independent Director of WPP, said: “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. As a former marketer he understands our business, its clients and the opportunities ahead of us. We are delighted he is joining WPP.”

Philip 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. 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.”

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.”

Notes

1. The appointment of Philip Jansen was made by the Board on the recommendation of the Nomination and Governance Committee, which was chaired by Angela Ahrendts, WPP’s Senior Independent Non-Executive Director. The Committee comprises Angela Ahrendts, Tom Ilube and Cindy Rose, and is chaired by Roberto Quarta. However, in accordance with good governance Roberto Quarta did not participate in this process.
2. The Board determined that Philip Jansen is an independent Non-Executive Director on appointment in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code.
3. The Compensation Committee agreed Philip Jansen’s fees. He will receive total fees of £575,000 per annum.
4. In addition to being Chair, on joining the Board Philip Jansen will be appointed as a member of the Compensation Committee and the Nomination and Governance Committee and succeed Roberto Quarta as Chair of that Committee on 1 January 2025.
5. Philip Jansen does not have a service contract. He has a letter of appointment which may be viewed by contacting the Company Secretary at the Company’s registered office.
6. There are no additional details to disclose under paragraphs (1) to (6) of LR 9.6.13 R of the UK Listing Authority’s Listing Rules in respect of the appointment.
7. Roberto Quarta will retire from the Board on 31 December 2024.

About WPP

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit www.wpp.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240730944199/en/

Further information

Media: press@wpp.com

Investors: irteam@wpp.com

Source: WPP

FAQ

When will Philip Jansen join WPP's Board as Non-Executive Director?

Philip Jansen will join WPP's Board as a Non-Executive Director on September 16, 2024.

Who will Philip Jansen succeed as Non-Executive Chair of WPP?

Philip Jansen will succeed Roberto Quarta as Non-Executive Chair of WPP from January 1, 2025.

What is Philip Jansen's professional background before joining WPP?

Philip Jansen was previously the Chief Executive of BT Group from 2019 to February 2024, and before that, he was CEO of Worldpay, a global payments services group.

How much will Philip Jansen receive in annual fees as WPP's Chair?

Philip Jansen will receive total fees of £575,000 per annum as WPP's Chair.