Annick Maas's questions to WPP (WPP) leadership • H1 2025
Question
Annick Maas of Bernstein questioned the implications of the dividend reset for future policy, the impact of senior staff departures on client retention, and asked outgoing CEO Mark Read for his reflections on what he would have done differently.
Answer
CFO Joanne Wilson explained the dividend reduction provides financial flexibility and that the long-term policy will be reviewed with the new CEO. She also noted that staff turnover is not unusually high and client relationships are broad-based, not dependent on individuals. CEO Mark Read reflected that he would have executed successful strategies more quickly and highlighted the Satalia acquisition as a key move for WPP's AI future.