WPP CFO Joanne Wilson to Leave for Diageo; board starts search for successor

# What happened WPP plc announced that Joanne Wilson is stepping down as chief financial officer and as an executive director to take up the CFO role at Diageo plc. Wilson will remain in her WPP role while the board appoints a successor and will work through an agreed handover. She has a 12-month notice period.

# Why it matters A CFO change at a major marketing and communications group matters for investors, clients, and lenders because the CFO leads financial strategy, reporting and discipline during a period when WPP is pursuing a multi-year growth plan called Elevate28. WPP says Wilson helped position the company and supported delivery of phase one of Elevate28. The board has launched a formal search to fill the role and plans an orderly transition.

# What the company said Cindy Rose, WPP's chief executive, thanked Wilson for her contribution over the past three years and said Wilson will help ensure continuity and a smooth handover while WPP focuses on execution of its strategy. Joanne Wilson thanked WPP staff and said she is proud of what has been achieved, noting the firm foundations built in the first phase of Elevate28.

# Immediate operational details

# Practical implications for stakeholders For investors: management continuity is being signalled by an in-role handover and unchanged 2026 guidance, but the market will watch the appointment process and the profile of the incoming CFO for any changes to financial priorities or capital allocation.

For clients and partners: the company commits to continuity in execution while a handover is completed, which reduces the near-term risk of change to client-facing financial arrangements and commercial programs.

For potential CFO candidates and recruiters: WPP is conducting a formal search. The role will involve advancing Elevate28's next phase while sustaining the financial discipline and momentum credited to the outgoing CFO.

# What to watch next

• The identity and background of WPP's new CFO once the formal search concludes.
• Any changes to strategic or capital-allocation priorities announced alongside the appointment.
• The agreed departure date for Joanne Wilson and details of the handover timeline.

# Bottom line WPP is managing a planned CFO transition after Joanne Wilson accepted the CFO role at Diageo. The company is prioritising continuity, has started a formal search for a successor, and has kept its 2026 guidance unchanged while it completes the handover.