Atifa Silk Rick Boost
Apr 16, 2018

What Sorrell wanted for WPP

Just weeks before resigning as WPP chief, Martin Sorrell talked with Campaign Asia-Pacific about his vision for the holding company he built.

"I don't know if we're at a tipping point or not, but we're at a point where the need for speedy adjustment and change is really important."

Just weeks before his hasty departure WPP CEO Sir Martin Sorrell told Campaign Asia-Pacific brand director Atifa Silk where he wanted his holding company to go in the next two years.  His answer, which included a further simplification of the verticals and more 'horizontality', indicate Sorrell was far from done with consolidating the firm. 

The man who built a multi-billion dollar marketing communications giant will now pass that job to a successor, one that will be made all the more difficult by rising shareholder pressures.  

While we continue to watch how these latest developments unfold, here is part two of our in-depth chat with Sorrell in the days immediately before he become the target of an in-house investigation for an undisclosed allegation of personal misconduct. 

In this video, Sorrell explains his vision for restructuring the company in a way that "breaks as few eggs as possible" in the process, while comparing WPP with recent changes at Publicis.

"I would like to see it fully integrated," Sorrell elaborated of his short-term vision for WPP.  "Clients aren't interested in the brands."

Source:
Campaign Asia

Related Articles

Just Published

1 day ago

Agency Report Cards 2024: We grade 25 APAC networks

The grades are in for Campaign Asia's 22nd annual evaluation of APAC agency networks. Subscribe to read our detailed analyses.

1 day ago

Publicis Groupe acquires influencer agency Captiv8

Captiv8 will join forces with the group's Influential and Epsilon.

1 day ago

Agency Report Card 2024: EssenceMediacom

In a difficult year underlined by restructuring and turmoil within parent company GroupM, the world’s largest media agency still holds many of the keys to mount a stronger rebound in 2025.

1 day ago

Disney sets sail: VP Sarah Fox on the brand’s ...

With localised strategy, strong fan engagement, and Disney’s knack for storytelling, Cruise Line will make its maiden voyage in December 2025. Campaign speaks exclusively with VP and regional GM Sarah Fox ahead of Campaign 360 next week.