Cindy Rose, Microsoft's chief operating officer for global enterprise sales, is leaving the tech behemoth to become CEO

WPP PLC closed 53.40% below its 52-week high of £9.03, which the company reached on December 9th.

Cindy Rose’s appointment as the new CEO of WPP underscores technology as the backbone of the beleaguered agency group’s future direction, according to multiple industry insiders. Subscribe and get unlimited access to Ad Age’s award-winning industry coverage for $20 $10 your first month.

WPP Plc. cut its outlook for 2025 after clients spent less than expected, adding to the advertising agency’s woes as it searches for a new chief executive officer. Shares fell to their lowest level in almost 16 years.

The London-listed ad agency is grappling with client defections and the rise of artificial-intelligence.

WPP’s media unit is in the frame as the global advertising group downgrades its full year revenue outlook in the face of weak sales, client losses, a pull back on spend and a shrinking pitch runway. The “weaker than expected top line performance” has changed the company’s tone and wording of commentary about WPP Media, formerly GroupM.

WPP’s next chapter will be written by Cindy Rose, the seasoned Microsoft executive and long-time WPP board member who steps into the CEO role at a time of major upheaval.

WPP shares wilted after it provided disappointing guidance on Wednesday, as experts warn artificial intelligence is causing brands to promote themselves more through digital players rather than traditional agencies.