Philip Jansen to join WPP as non-exec chair

Jansen (pictured) will join the board on 16th September and will become non-executive chair from 1st January 2025.

Jansen was chief executive at BT Group from 2019 to February 2024, and prior to that was chief executive of payment services group Worldpay.

A former marketer, Jansen began his career at Procter & Gamble before holding marketing director roles at Dunlop Slazenger and Telewest.

Angela Ahrendts, senior independent director, 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.”

Quarta became chair of WPP in 2015. 

Mark Read, chief executive, 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.”