WPP

WPP plc is a British multinational communications services company and one of the world’s largest advertising and public relations groups. It provides advertising, media planning and buying, public relations, branding, data analytics, and digital marketing services through a network of agencies and specialized divisions operating in more than 100 countries.

History: The company traces its origins to Wire and Plastic Products plc, a plastics and packaging firm founded in the mid-20th century. In the 1980s, under the leadership of Martin Sorrell, the business was transformed into a marketing communications group and expanded rapidly through acquisitions, eventually adopting the WPP Group plc name. The acronym reflects its origins and evolution into a diversified global communications conglomerate.

Operations: WPP operates through global networks and brands, including Ogilvy, Grey, JWT (J. Walter Thompson), VMLY&R, and Wunderman Thompson, along with a range of specialized firms in media, public relations, and digital services. The group also includes Kantar, its data, insights, and analytics arm, as part of its broader portfolio. The company emphasizes integrated, cross‑channel marketing solutions spanning creativity, technology, and data‑driven decision making.

Corporate affairs: Headquartered in London, WPP is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100. It serves clients worldwide from offices across more than 100 countries. The chief executive is Mark Read, who has led the company since 2013, and the chairman is Roberto Quarta. WPP’s strategy centers on combining creative excellence with data‑driven marketing and digital transformation.