Laurent Ezekiel, Cindy Rose, Devika Bulchandani.
WPP’s new chief executive, Cindy Rose, her feet barely behind a desk at the UK-based global advertising group, has made some quick appointments.
Rose, who started her new role last week, announced “strategic global leadership appointments” including a new right hand.
Devika Bulchandani, formerly Global CEO of Ogilvy, is the new global chief operating officer, replacing Andrew Scott who is retiring after 27 years at WPP.
She is replaced at Ogilvy by Laurent Ezekiel, who also takes the role of executive sponsor for WPP Open X. Floriane Tripolino replaces him as CEO of WPP Open X.
Rose takes over a company in the middle of restructuring, with negative growth, a weak share price and pushback from staff on a back to the office mandate.
“These appointments underscore WPP’s commitment to delivering unparalleled value and innovation,” said Rose who replaced Mark Read as CEO.
“Devika’s deep obsession with helping our clients grow and win, will help us accelerate our growth across the entire WPP landscape.
“Laurent's close, successful partnership with The Coca Cola Company and creation of WPP Open X gives him valuable insight and experience to help navigate the needs of our largest clients, many of which are housed in Ogilvy.
“These leaders embody the strategic vision and creative excellence that define WPP.
“Their collective expertise will play a crucial part in helping me drive WPP to our next phase of growth and ensuring our clients continue to win in a rapidly evolving market.”
Devika Bulchandani said she had been the luckiest person in the world to have the best job in the world as Ogilvy’s CEO.
“I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together as a team,” Bulchandani said.
“Having partnered closely with Laurent, I've seen firsthand his unparalleled ability to drive growth and champion creative excellence. I can’t think of a better leader to partner with Liz Taylor, our chief creative officer, and our leadership team to guide Ogilvy to even greater heights.
“As we all begin this next chapter at WPP, I'm energised by the immense potential ahead.
“I truly believe that when we seamlessly bring together WPP’s world-class capabilities, we become an invincible force – one that unlocks unparalleled value for our clients.”
Laurent Ezekiel, incoming Global CEO of Ogilvy, said he was eager to build on Ogilvy’s legacy, championing modern marketing and innovation.
“The future of Ogilvy is bright, and I’m thrilled to be a part of writing the next chapter of marketing history with our teams and clients,” Ezekiel said.
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