WPP plc (WPP) is a worldwide creative transformation organization offering national and multinational clients a comprehensive range of communications, experience, commerce and technology services.
The company’s business consists of the provision of creative transformation services on a national, multinational and global basis. It operates in more than 100 countries.
Segments
The company operates through three segments: Global Integrated Agencies, Public Relations and Specialist Agencies.
Glo...
WPP plc (WPP) is a worldwide creative transformation organization offering national and multinational clients a comprehensive range of communications, experience, commerce and technology services.
The company’s business consists of the provision of creative transformation services on a national, multinational and global basis. It operates in more than 100 countries.
Segments
The company operates through three segments: Global Integrated Agencies, Public Relations and Specialist Agencies.
Global Integrated Agencies
The company’s creative agencies develop and scale ideas that connect brands and products with consumers. Services include marketing strategy, creative ideation, production, commerce, influencer marketing, social media management and technology implementation, e.g., CRM and app development. The company’s media agencies place creative content across digital and analogue channels to reach audiences. Services include media strategy, planning, buying and activation, commerce media, data analytics and consulting. In October 2023, the company announced the merger of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R to create VML, which was effective in January 2024. In 2024, WPP's integrated agencies included GroupM, VML, Ogilvy, AKQA and Hogarth.
Public Relations
The company’s PR firms help clients manage reputation and communicate with their stakeholders, from consumers and investors to governments and NGOs. Services include media management, public affairs, reputation, risk and crisis management, social media management and strategic advisory. In 2024, the company’s PR companies included Burson (formed from the merger of BCW and Hill & Knowlton, which formally completed on 1 July 2024), and FGS Global (formed from the combination of Finsbury Glover Hering and Sard Verbinnen & Co). In December 2024, WPP completed the disposal of FGS Global to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (KKR) (which was announced on 7 August 2024).
Specialist Agencies
The company’s specialist agencies provide services by region or type. Services include brand consulting, brand identity, product and service design and corporate and brand publications. In 2024, the company’s specialist agencies included the brand consultancies Landor, Design Bridge and Partners, and the specialist healthcare media business CMI.
During 2024, the company reallocated a number of businesses between Global Integrated Agencies, Specialist Agencies and Public Relations.
Strategy
The company’s strategies include leading through AI, data and technology; accelerating growth through the power of creative transformation; building market-leading brands; and executing efficiently to drive financial returns.
Clients
The company’s 10 largest clients accounted for 19.7% of its revenue less pass-through costs in the year ended December 31, 2024. The company has maintained long-standing relationships with many of their clients, with an average length of relationship for the top 10 clients of approximately 47 years.
History
WPP plc was founded in 1985. The company was incorporated in Jersey in 2012.