M
Mark Read
Chair at Fifty5Blue
Transforming WPP from a traditional advertising holding company into a modern, technology-led creative transformation business, with a strong emphasis on AI, data, and digital integration.
Last updated May 30, 2026 by the ATDb Editorial Team
Bio
Mark Read is Chair of Fifty5Blue and a non-executive director and advisor, following a long career at WPP where he served as Chief Executive Officer from 2018 to 2025. He earlier led Wunderman and built WPP Digital, and is a trustee of the Natural History Museum.
Previous Roles
Chief Executive Officer
WPP (2018–2025)
CEO
Wunderman (2015–2018)
CEO, WPP Digital
WPP (2006–2015)
Expertise
Digital Marketing TransformationAI-Driven MarketingData AnalyticsCreative TechnologyAgency Holding Company StrategyMarketing Services M&ABrand and Performance MarketingCustomer Experience
Education
- BA, History, Trinity College, Cambridge University
- MBA, INSEAD
Notable Achievements
- Appointed CEO of WPP in 2018, succeeding founder Sir Martin Sorrell, and stabilizing the company during a period of significant uncertainty
- Led the merger of Wunderman and JWT into Wunderman Thompson, and later VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson into VML, streamlining WPP's agency portfolio
- Oversaw WPP's strategic partnership with Google, Microsoft, and other major tech platforms to embed AI into creative and media services
- Divested WPP's majority stake in Kantar to Bain Capital in a deal valuing Kantar at $4 billion, sharpening WPP's strategic focus
- Launched WPP's AI-powered marketing operating system and Open platform to unify data and technology capabilities across the group
Awards
Named among the most influential people in advertising by industry trade publications including Campaign and Ad AgeRecognized in Campaign's Power 100 list multiple times
Speaking Topics
The future of creativity and AI in advertisingDigital transformation for global brandsThe evolving role of agency holding companiesData-driven marketing and personalization at scaleSustainability and responsible marketing
Publications
- Regular contributor to WPP thought leadership reports and annual reports on the future of marketing and creativity
Board Memberships
Natural History Museum (Trustee)
Connections