WPP Reduces Workforce and Cuts Profits

• WPP has cut 4,000 jobs since the beginning of the year.
• The company's profits fell by 71% in the first half of 2025.
• Findy Rouse will become the new general director from January 1.

The global advertising company WPP announced a reduction of its workforce by 4,000 people since the beginning of the year due to a significant drop in profits. The number of employees decreased by 3.7% to 104,000 by the end of June 2025.

For the first half of 2025, WPP confirmed a profit drop to £98 million, which is 71% less than for the corresponding period last year.

The outgoing company director, Mark Read, who will leave his position on January 1, stated about significant pressure on client spending and the decline in new business opportunities. He also noted that the company continues to expect results that will correspond to a lowered forecast, previously announced in July.

WPP, which owns agencies such as Ogilvy, reported a revenue drop of 7.8% in the first half of the year, with a decline of 5.8% in the second quarter. The company has reduced its dividends to 7 pence per share to give the new management the opportunity to revise the strategy.

With the arrival of the new general director, Cindy Rouse, former head of Microsoft in Great Britain, WPP is hoping to enhance its effectiveness in the field of artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

Additionally, WPP has been affected by reduced advertising spending from clients, including automotive companies, which has been a result of economic uncertainty and rising tariffs in the USA.

Tags: Economy