Wpp Plc Stock Price, News & Analysis

WPP reported strong preliminary 2021 results, with revenue reaching £12.8 billion, up 6.7% year-over-year, and a remarkable organic growth rate of 13.3%. Operating profit rose to £1.5 billion, with a headline operating margin of 14.4%. The company returned over £1 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, and guided for further growth in 2022. Notably, WPP won $8.7 billion in net new business, including major accounts like Coca-Cola. The strong demand for digital services and ecommerce underpinned its performance, positioning WPP for continued success in a booming advertising market.

Ogilvy Health has appointed Liz Kane as Chief Strategy Officer and promoted Corina Kellam to lead the newly formed Experience & Innovation Team. Kane brings over 20 years of strategic experience across numerous therapeutic areas, previously serving at Havas Life and Saatchi & Saatchi. Kellam, an expert in omnichannel marketing, will oversee initiatives to drive client efficiency and results. CEO Kim Johnson emphasized the significance of these appointments in enhancing Ogilvy Health's capabilities to adapt to a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

WPP (NYSE: WPP) has acquired Village Marketing, a leader in influencer marketing, enhancing its capabilities within the creator economy. Founded in 2013, Village Marketing has worked with major brands like Nike and Netflix and has a staff of 150. This integration aims to strengthen Wunderman Thompson's offerings, providing clients deeper access to creators and influencer content. CEO Mark Read emphasized the importance of influencers in modern brand strategy. The acquisition aligns with WPP's accelerated growth strategy and follows their previous purchase of Made Thought.

WPP has announced a partnership with Instacart, the leading online grocery platform in North America, to provide innovative advertising and measurement solutions for CPG brands. This collaboration will give WPP early access to new Instacart Ads products and tools, enhancing their capabilities in retail and commerce. As the first analytics API partner, WPP will also leverage custom analytics tools for better client insights. The initiative includes a certification program for 1,000 employees within six months, aiming to elevate brand engagement in the online grocery sector.

Gain Theory, a global foresight consultancy, has been recognized as a Leader in The Forrester Wave™ for Marketing Measurement and Optimization Solutions in Q1 2022. The report highlights Gain Theory's exceptional services, particularly in areas like Brand Portfolio Management and Omnichannel Marketing Strategy. It received the highest scores across 13 criteria, including Unified Measurement Methodology and Business Strategy Consulting. Gain Theory's approach helps organizations accelerate growth amidst change, as emphasized by their CEO, Manjiry Tamhane.

Ogilvy Health has appointed Adam Hessel as Chief Creative Officer, overseeing creative output in North America. Hessel brings nearly 30 years of experience in advertising and marketing, particularly in the pharma and healthcare sectors. His previous roles include Chief Creative Officer at Harrison & Star and SVP at GSW. Hessel's appointment is seen as a significant commitment to fostering a culture of creativity at Ogilvy Health, emphasizing modern marketing strategies. Both Kim Johnson and Liz Taylor expressed confidence in his ability to push creative boundaries and enhance brand impact.

TANK Worldwide, a WPP-owned healthcare communications agency, announces a new executive leadership team as it celebrates its 15th anniversary. The team, featuring five executive promotions and one external hire, includes key appointments such as Mylene Savoie as COO and Thomas Lecordier as CCO. TANK has seen double-digit revenue growth for five consecutive years and serves top healthcare brands like Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. The agency recently won significant accounts including Moderna's COVID vaccine.

WPP has acquired a majority stake in branding agency Made Thought, which will be integrated into AKQA and collaborate with Universal Design Studio and Map Project Office. This move creates The New Standard, a collective aimed at enhancing design capabilities and fostering collaboration while preserving creative independence. Founded in 2000, Made Thought serves notable clients like Pinterest and Unilever and employs 55 people in London and New York. This acquisition is part of WPP's accelerated growth strategy to strengthen creative capabilities in marketing and design.

On December 2, 2021, Michael Houston, Worldwide CEO of Grey, announced the promotions of John Patroulis to Global Creative Chairman & President, Creative Business, and Javier Campopiano to Worldwide Chief Creative Officer. These changes aim to enhance Grey's creative leadership and align with WPP's strategy of being a borderless organization focused on delivering top talent. Campopiano will oversee the creative product for WPP's Coca-Cola account, while Patroulis will collaborate with Houston on business strategy and growth. Grey continues to focus on creativity as a driver for business success.