WPP Appoints McKinsey for Strategic Review Amid Profit Warnings

London, England – WPP, the world’s largest advertising group, has engaged McKinsey & Company to guide a significant strategic review as it faces increasing investor pressure.

The appointment comes after WPP issued two profit warnings within three months, prompting new CEO Cindy Rose to seek fresh direction. She took over the role from Mark Read on September 1 and has indicated that she will reveal details of the new strategy in early 2026 during a Q3 earnings call.

This strategy review is aimed at addressing what Rose has called the company’s “unacceptable” performance. WPP expects its annual revenue to decline between 5.5% and 6% this year. McKinsey’s role will be to “facilitate and stress-test” the updated planning, according to a report from Campaign UK.

The review will focus on key areas including simplifying client offerings, leveraging AI for growth, expanding technology solutions, and improving financial performance through operational efficiency.

This renewed collaboration marks the second time WPP has sought McKinsey’s expertise, having previously worked with the consulting firm in 2020. Earlier this year, WPP Media appointed Emily Del Greco, a former McKinsey partner, as global chief operating officer.

WPP has undergone several internal restructurings, including a merger of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R to create VML in 2023 and the rebranding of GroupM to WPP Media in 2025. The company has also seen its workforce decrease by 7,000, bringing the total to 104,000, partially due to asset sales such as FGS Global.

With McKinsey’s support, WPP’s leadership is determined to implement changes that will restore both growth and investor confidence in this influential advertising network.