WPP names ex-BT chief Philip Jansen chair as Roberto Quarta steps down

WPP has appointed ex-BT boss Philip Jansen to its board as a non-executive director, naming him chair designate in line to succeed incumbent Roberto Quarta.

Jansen, who was chief executive of BT Group between 2019 and February 2024, will take over from Quarta on 1 January 2025. He will also become a member of WPP's compensation committee at this time, as well as its nomination and governance committee, and will chair the latter.

It has taken WPP longer than expected to appoint Quarta's successor, as he was expected to step down ahead of the annual general meeting in May this year.

Quarta, who will retire from the board at the end of 2024, has been chairman of WPP since 2015. In the aftermath of previous chief executive Sir Martin Sorrell's depature in April 2018, Quarta received some criticism, but his re-election was backed by 84.5% of shareholders. He temporarily steered the group as executive chairman, while a successor to Sorrell was sought, resulting in current CEO Mark Read's appointment.

Campaign reported in March that Read’s pay package fell 33% to £4.5m, according to WPP’s annual report. The report also revealed that Quarta would stay on longer than expected.

Brian Wieser, an industry analyst who heads Madison & Wall consultancy, found news of Quarta's continuation noteworthy, while referencing reports in January that candidates being considered as successor included Jansen.

In addition, Quarta, an Italian and former industrialist, who was known as "Bob the Knife" and "Give no Quarta" during his days running engineering companies, has overseen the sale of Kantar and been "pivotal" in the consolidation of the group, including the formation of VML from Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R.

Jansen, who will be paid total fees of £575,000 per year, was appoved as chair by the board on the recommendation of the nomination and governance committee. 

Angela Ahrendts, senior independent director of WPP, who chaired the nomination and governance committee, said: “Philip brings a valuable blend of experience, from leading technology and consumer goods companies to transforming large, complex organisations and creating significant value for shareholders. As a former marketer he understands our business, its clients and the opportunities ahead of us. We are delighted he is joining WPP.”

Prior to running BT Group, Jansen’s CV included roles such as chief executive of Worldpay and chief executive of Brakes Group. He started his career at Procter & Gamble, and held various senior marketing roles at companies including Dunlop and Telewest. 

Jansen added: “Technology is changing the face of commerce, media and communications, and I am very excited to join a company at the forefront of this change. I look forward to working with my fellow board members and supporting Mark and his leadership team as they continue to transform WPP for the future.”

Read said: “On behalf of the board I would like to thank Roberto for his support for the leadership team and his exceptional contribution during more than nine years with WPP.

“He has helped to steer the company through significant challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, overseen the restructuring of our portfolio to return WPP to financial stability, and guided the fundamental reshaping of our offer to meet the needs of modern marketing. Philip has deep insight into our industry from his marketing background and roles with technology and consumer goods companies, and I am very happy to welcome him to WPP.”